China faces urgent public health challenges with rapid increase in early-onset T2DM

Researchers from Peking University, China, have revealed a sharp rise in the burden of early-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among adolescents and young adults in China from 1990 to 2021. Despite improvements in mortality rates, the incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with the disease have grown alarmingly.

Figure 1: Scientists from Peking University analyzed trends in early-onset T2D burden from 1990 to 2021, highlighting differences by age groups and sexes in China and globally (Credit: Siyan Zhan, Peking University)

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, their study shows that the age-standardised incidence rate nearly doubled, increasing from 140.20 per 100,000 in 1990 to 315.97 per 100,000 in 2021, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 2.67%. Similarly, DALYs rose from 116.29 to 267.47 per 100,000 during the same period, marking an AAPC of 2.75%. Mortality rates, however, showed only a slight decline.

The burden of early-onset T2D disproportionately affects young males, who experience higher rates of incidence, DALYs, and mortality compared to females. The 15–19 age group witnessed the fastest rise in incidence, with an AAPC of 4.08%, indicating a critical need for age-specific interventions.

The study identifies high body mass index (BMI) as the leading contributor to early-onset T2D DALYs, accounting for 59.85% in 2021, a significant increase from 40.08% in 1990. Other key risk factors include ambient particulate matter pollution and diets high in red meat.

“Our findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies focused on obesity prevention, improved environmental health, and dietary interventions,” said Professor Siyan Zhan from the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University.

The researchers emphasise the importance of targeted interventions for males and younger age groups, integrating public awareness campaigns, policy reforms and community-based health programs to curb the growing disease burden. This study provides critical evidence to guide policymakers and healthcare professionals in addressing the escalating health challenge posed by early-onset type 2 diabetes in China.

The findings were published in the paper, ‘The Burden of Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Young Adults in China: A Secondary Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021’, published in Health Data Science. To access this paper, please click here