[Hinews] SEOUL, South Korea — A large-scale study by South Korea’s National Institute of Health (NIH), under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), has identified a sharp rise in diabetes among individuals under 30, with marked disparities across socioeconomic groups. Published in an international peer-reviewed journal, the study analyzed clinical and epidemiological data from 2008 to 2021, underscoring a public health challenge that requires urgent attention.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in people under 30 rose 2.2 times, from 27.6 to 60.5 cases per 100,000. Even more striking, its prevalence quadrupled, climbing from 73.3 to 270.4 per 100,000. While the incidence of type 1 diabetes remained relatively stable, its prevalence more than doubled, increasing from 21.8 to 46.4 per 100,000.

The analysis revealed clear gender differences: type 1 diabetes showed a 26% higher prevalence among females, whereas type 2 diabetes was 17% more common in males. Age-specific trends indicated that type 1 diabetes rose most sharply in infants and young children (ages 0–5), while type 2 diabetes increased most prominently among adolescents (ages 13–18).

The prevalence of diabetes among South Koreans under 30 has risen sharply over the past 13 years, with the highest rates observed in low-income groups. (Image: ClipArtKorea)
The prevalence of diabetes among South Koreans under 30 has risen sharply over the past 13 years, with the highest rates observed in low-income groups. (Image: ClipArtKorea)


Socioeconomic disparities were striking—prevalence of type 1 diabetes was 2.9 times higher and type 2 diabetes 3.7 times higher in low-income groups compared to middle- and high-income groups.
Dr. Hyun Young Park, director of the NIH, described the rising tide of diabetes among young people as a “serious situation.” She emphasized the need for national-level interventions to address health disparities, particularly for socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

The findings highlight the growing burden of diabetes among South Korea’s youth, signaling the need for targeted public health strategies to address this rising trend.

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