[Hinews] SEOUL, South Korea — A comprehensive study by South Korea’s National Institute of Health (NIH), part of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, has uncovered a dramatic rise in diabetes among individuals under 30, with significant disparities across socioeconomic groups. Published in an international journal, the study analyzed clinical and epidemiological characteristics of diabetes from 2008 to 2021, highlighting a public health challenge that demands urgent attention.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in this age group surged 2.2-fold, from 27.6 cases per 100,000 people to 60.5 cases. Even more striking, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes quadrupled, climbing from 73.3 to 270.4 per 100,000. Type 1 diabetes incidence remained relatively stable, but its prevalence more than doubled, rising from 21.8 to 46.4 per 100,000.

The data revealed distinct gender differences. Type 1 diabetes was 26% more common among females, while type 2 diabetes was 17% more prevalent among males. Age-specific trends showed type 1 diabetes increasing most significantly in infants and young children (ages 0-5), while type 2 diabetes saw the sharpest rise among adolescents (ages 13-18).

The number of diabetic patients under 30 has surged over the past 13 years, particularly among low-income groups. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)
The number of diabetic patients under 30 has surged over the past 13 years, particularly among low-income groups. (Image provided by ClipArtKorea)


Socioeconomic disparities were particularly stark. Among low-income groups, type 1 diabetes prevalence was 2.9 times higher, and type 2 diabetes was 3.7 times higher 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 underscore the growing burden of diabetes in South Korea’s youth, signaling a need for targeted public health strategies to curb this escalating crisis.

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