November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, which is a perfect time to shine a spotlight on a staggering statistic: In the U.S., the number of young people receiving a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis has doubled since 2002.
Why exactly is this happening? And what can be done about it?
According to Dr. David Rzeszutko, Vice President of Medical and Clinical Operations, Priority Health, there’s no single explanation for the rise in Type 2 diabetes diagnoses in young people.
“The rise in Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults results from several biologic, social and environmental factors,” Dr. Rzeszutko said. “U.S. surveillance studies show variable incidence increases among certain ethnic and ethnic groups. The exact increase varies somewhat by age and population, so ‘doubled’ is not uniformly applied to every population analyzed.”
Type 2 diabetes, Dr. Rzeszutko explained, develops when the body has trouble using insulin effectively or when someone isn’t making enough insulin to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range.
“Higher rates of obesity make the body less responsive to insulin, predisposing to Type 2 diabetes,” he said, adding that less physical activity and more sedentary lifestyles predispose someone to excess body fat. “The environments young people grow up in—whether affordable, nutritious food is available, whether there are safe places to be active, and whether families can access preventive care—all play a factor. The takeaway is that prevention and early detection need to start well before adulthood.”
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes cause high blood sugar, but occur for different reasons.
“Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease: the immune system attacks the cells that make insulin which results in an insulin deficiency. People with Type 1 need insulin treatment, and the disease is not correlated with eating habits or amount of exercise,” Dr. Rzeszutko shared. “Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body tissue becomes desensitized to the effects of insulin, or there is a lack of production of enough insulin to compensate for poor nutrition or habits. Genetics and environmental factors both play a role.”
It’s important to note that neither condition belongs to just one age group, as both children and adults can develop either type.
“We also can’t determine which type someone has simply by looking at their age or body size, so testing matters,” Dr. Rzeszutko said. “Healthy routines can help lower the risk of Type 2, but they don’t guarantee prevention, and a diagnosis is never a personal failure.”
TREATMENTS FOR TYPE 2
While treatment is individualized, Dr. Rzeszutko explained that it generally combines nutrition support, regular physical activity, diabetes education, blood sugar monitoring and medication when needed.
“The right medication depends on age, blood sugar levels and other health needs, and not every medication is approved or appropriate for children,” he noted, adding that for young people, family support and a care team experienced in pediatric diabetes are especially important. “Needing medication isn’t a sign that someone has failed—it’s one of the tools we use to protect long-term health.
“At Priority Health, eligible adult members may have access to Virta’s Diabetes Reversal program, which offers personalized nutrition therapy, a clinician-led care team, coaching and monitoring supplies to help lower blood sugar and potentially reduce medication needs under medical supervision.”
BE DILLIGENT AND NOTICE ANY SYMPTOMS
November is a good reminder, Dr. Rzeszutko said, that diabetes can be present before someone feels noticeably sick.
“Type 2 symptoms may develop gradually, and some people have no symptoms at all. Increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or blurry vision deserve a conversation with your doctor. Symptoms that develop quickly—especially alongside vomiting, abdominal pain or trouble breathing—need urgent medical attention.”
Dr. Rzeszutko also encourages families to talk about risk rather than assume someone is “too young” to have diabetes.
“A clinician can determine whether testing makes sense based on family history, growth patterns and other risk factors,” he said. “For someone already diagnosed, care is about more than a blood sugar number: eye and kidney health, blood pressure, emotional well-being, and a manageable treatment plan all matter.”
When it comes to prevention, Dr. Rzeszutko recommends starting with habits that are realistic enough to repeat, such as choosing water more often than sugary drinks, building meals around a variety of foods including vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein, and finding enjoyable ways to move.
“Children and teens ages 6 to 17 should aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily; adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week,” he said, emphasizing that these are goals to build toward, not a reason to feel discouraged about starting small. “Sleep, avoiding tobacco and vaping, staying current on recommended vaccines, and keeping preventive appointments are crucial. Families can make these habits easier by working on them together rather than singling out one child or focusing only on weight. And remember, healthy habits reduce the risk of some illnesses—they don’t prevent every condition.”
CHRONIC ILLNESSES ON THE RISE OVERALL
Dr. Rzeszutko noted that we’re seeing concerning trends in some conditions, including youth-onset Type 2 diabetes, but stressed that different illnesses have different causes and patterns.
“Better screening and recognition can also make some conditions more visible than they were in the past,” he shared. “What we do know is that health starts long before someone walks into a doctor’s office. Sleep, nutrition, movement, stress, environmental exposures and access to care can all influence health, alongside genetics and other biological factors. The useful response isn’t to point to one habit: it’s to identify which conditions are increasing and make it easier for young people and families to get meaningful support.”
Chronic illnesses can affect much more than simply one’s physical health.
“Managing appointments, medications and symptoms can interfere with school, work, sleep, and everyday life,” Dr. Rzeszutko said. “Conditions can also overlap: someone with Type 2 diabetes may have high blood pressure or other metabolic concerns, while the demands of managing an illness can affect emotional well-being. That’s why coordinated care is so important. We need to support the whole person, not just one diagnosis.”
Ultimately, Dr. Rzeszutko highlighted that a diagnosis is information, not a verdict on someone’s future.
“Young people with diabetes can lead full, active lives, and getting the right support early can make day-to-day management feel much more achievable,” he said. “Ask questions, speak up if a treatment plan feels overwhelming, and let the care team know about barriers such as cost, transportation or fitting care into a school schedule.”
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.