Prevalence of Early Puberty in Children on the Outcomes of Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Purpose: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is no longer considered an adult-onset disease as the prevalence and incidence have increased in children. T2DM can cause devastating effects to major organs of the body and lifetime management. This study aims to examine pubertal factors as risk indicators for T2DM. Methods: This is a cross sectional analysis of data collected in a parent - children survey that evaluated the risks and predictors of T2DM. The participants were aged 10 to 14 years old and did not have diagnosed T2DM (N=153). Pubertal age was measured via the Tanner stages. Early puberty was indicated at ≤11 years. Independent two sample t-tests were conducted with each pubertal variable against risk of T2DM. Results: The study population consisted of 74 boys and 79 girls. Age for boys was evenly distributed among 9-14, while in girls it was right skewed in the 8-13 range. Growth of hair among both boys and girls had a mild association (p=0.28), as did first menstruation for girls (earlier menstruation, p=0.21). If a boy had increased development compared to their peers, they had an increased risk of T2DM as well (p=0.05). Conclusion: There seems to be some association of pubertal characteristics to increase risk of T2DM in children. Early puberty can be affected by various factors such as low socioeconomic status, unhealthy diets, and childhood obesity. T2DM can be prevented via behavioral modifications. Understanding pubertal risk factors could allow clinicians to work with parents to avoid T2DM in children.