Childhood diabetes prevention programs should address broader issues of food access and quality, authors say<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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THURSDAY, Oct. 30, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in young children is tied to social and environmental factors, according to a study published online Sept. 18 in Pediatric Research<\/em>.<\/p>\n Ayden Dunn, from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, and colleagues examined changes in the nationwide prevalence of T2D in U.S. children aged 0 to 5 years (early childhood) based on data from the National Survey of Children\u2019s Health (2016 to 2020). The analysis was based on data from nearly 50,000 children younger than 5 years isolated from an overall database of approximately 174,000 children aged 0 to 17 years.<\/p>\n The researchers found that while the overall prevalence of T2D in children younger than 5 years remained low and relatively stable during the five-year period, its presence was tied to social and environmental factors. For example, in 2016 and 2020, childhood T2D was significantly associated with the presence of a library in the child\u2019s neighborhood. In 2017, T2D also was associated with access to free or reduced-cost meals. Specifically in the early childhood subgroup, there were significant associations in 2016 for receiving neighbor help and in 2019 for walkability levels in the child\u2019s neighborhood.<\/p>\n “The rise in early-onset type 2 diabetes is a growing public health concern,” senior author Lea Sacca, Ph.D., also from Florida Atlantic University, said in a statement. “Addressing it requires a comprehensive strategy. That includes improving access to nutritious foods, creating healthier neighborhood environments, and investing in policies that promote long-term wellness from the very start of life.”<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n