Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Young Adults: A Growing Public Health Concern

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in young adults has emerged as a pressing global public health concern. Once considered a disease of older populations, T2DM is increasingly diagnosed among individuals aged 15–39 years, a demographic undergoing critical life transitions. The rising prevalence is driven by lifestyle changes, urbanization, obesity, and genetic predisposition, with Africa and other low- and middle-income regions experiencing the fastest growth. Evidence shows that youth-onset T2DM progresses more aggressively than later-onset cases, with early complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease appearing within a decade of diagnosis. In Nigeria, particularly in urban centers, limited screening, poor awareness, and weak health system preparedness exacerbate the burden, leading to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes. This review explores the epidemiology, risk factors, complications, and public health implications of T2DM in young adults. Using the socio-ecological model, it situates the condition within broader social, behavioral, and policy contexts. Findings highlight obesity, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, sleep disturbances, and substance use as major risk factors. The seminar emphasizes the need for multi-level interventions, including school-based health education, community engagement, routine screening, and youth-friendly healthcare services. Addressing this growing epidemic requires coordinated action across families, communities, and governments to reduce risk, improve early detection, and mitigate long-term socioeconomic consequences