Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus is becoming a notable health concern among children and adolescents in Iran. This study aims to review the prevalence of T2D among Iranian children and adolescents and identify risk factors based on existing literature.
Materials and Methods: In this review, a systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, from inception to December 2024. Two independent researchers performed the search, study selection, and data extraction.
Results: The global incidence of Type 2 Diabetes among youth has significantly increased from 1990 to 2021, rising from 56.02 to 123.86 per 100,000 with an average annual percentage change of 3.01%. Type 2 Diabetes prevalence is lower in Iranian children, with approximately 1% developing pre-diabetes or T2D annually, compared to adults at about 10.8%. Among overweight children, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is reported as 4.61%, while the prevalence of T2D is 0.1%. T2D in children and adolescents is influenced by both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, including high Body Mass Index (BMI), elevated fasting plasma glucose levels, lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior and unhealthy diets, genetic predisposition, family history, and biological differences. Geographic and demographic variations also contribute to these disparities, with urban children generally having higher rates of obesity compared to their rural counterparts.
Conclusion: Unlike the rising global incidence of Type 2 Diabetes, Iranian children and adolescents have a notably lower rate, with about 1% developing pre-diabetes or T2D annually. Lifestyle factors, genetic predispositions, and regional differences are key risk factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.