An Advancing Avalanche—The Emergence of Complications in Indigenous Youth with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes (diagnosed <18 years of age) is increasing around the world. Indigenous populations are disproportionally affected. The classic microvascular complications of diabetes are now emerging in this population and early data suggest that complications may occur early and more aggressively in youth-onset versus adult-onset disease. Of concern are the transgenerational effects of youth-onset diabetes, with increasing rates of pregestational exposure to diabetes, a potent risk factor for the development of youth-onset type 2 diabetes.