A Scoping Review of the Relationship Between Childhood Obesity and Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes

Childhood obesity is becoming a significant global health issue, particularly due to its connection with the early development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children. Understanding this relationship and the factors that contribute to it is crucial. Key contributors include family history, gender, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and insulin resistance in fat tissue. The increasing rates of childhood obesity and its link to diabetes highlight the urgent need for early interventions to address this trend and improve public health outcomes.

The present scoping review aimed to explore the connection between childhood obesity and early-onset type 2 diabetes, along with other related factors. The researchers utilized a standardized review framework to analyze literature published in English from 2000 to 2021, focusing solely on primary research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses that examined the association between these two conditions. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we reviewed 3,614 articles, ultimately including 17 that met our criteria.

The literature indicated that factors such as hypertension and unfavorable lipid profiles are commonly associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes in obese children. It is essential to note that these findings are based on existing literature and may not reflect all research in this area. The lack of regional diversity suggests a need for further studies involving various populations to gain a comprehensive understanding of how childhood obesity relates to early-onset type 2 diabetes. Notably, the progression from obesity to type 2 diabetes occurs much faster in obese youth—approximately within half the time it takes in obese adults, who typically take about ten years.

The rising rates of childhood obesity and diabetes across different income levels necessitate coordinated efforts to curb early-onset type 2 diabetes in children. Thus, this review emphasizes the critical need for early interventions to create a lasting positive impact that can extend into adulthood.

Source: Oranika US, Adeola OL, Egbuchua TO, Okobi OE, Alrowaili DG, Kajero A, Koleowo OM, Okobi E, David AB, Ezeamii JC. The Role of Childhood Obesity in Early-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review. Cureus. 2023 Oct 31;15(10):e48037. doi: 10.7759/cureus.48037. PMID: 38034219; PMCID: PMC10687489.