Screening for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement

IMPORTANCE The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 210 000 children and adolescents younger than 20 years had diabetes as of 2018; of these, approximately 23 000 had type 2 diabetes. Youth with type 2 diabetes have an increased prevalence of associated chronic comorbid conditions, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Data indicate that the incidence of type 2 diabetes is rising; from 2002-2003 to 2014-2015, incidence increased from 9.0 cases per 100 000 children and adolescents to 13.8 cases per 100 000 children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a review of the evidence on screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in asymptomatic, nonpregnant persons younger than 18 years. This is a new recommendation. POPULATION Children and adolescents younger than 18 years without known diabetes or prediabetes or symptoms of diabetes or prediabetes. EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. There is a lack of evidence on the effect of screening for, and early detection and treatment of, type 2 diabetes on health outcomes in youth, and the balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. (I statement)

Automated summary

The incidence of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents is increasing, and those affected have a higher prevalence of chronic comorbid conditions. However, there is insufficient evidence to evaluate the balance of benefits and harms of screening for type 2 diabetes in this population.