Emerging epidemic and challenges of Type 2 diabetes in young adults

Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly prevalent in young adults. This trend is particularly pronounced in some ethnic groups. The characteristic phenotype with obesity, signs of insulin resistance and prevalence of cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia are very common in this subset of patients. Despite the young age of onset and short duration of diabetes, this group tends to develop diabetes related complications such as nephropathy and CVD early in the disease process. Thus, they represent a high risk population that require urgent attention. This article reviews the current understanding of what may be an emerging major medicosocietal problem and describes the challenges facing healthcare workers in managing this high risk group.