Growing Neighborhood and Socioeconomic Factors Tied to Surge in Childhood Type 2 Diabetes Rates

Where a child lives may be an additional risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), alongside genetics, diet, and physical activity, as childhood diabetes rates continue to rise, according to research from investigators at Florida Atlantic University.

The study authors, who published their findings in Pediatric Research, noted that the findings demonstrated strong associations between environmental factors as high-risk indicators for developing childhood diabetes.^1,2

“Research has shown that neighborhood environments—such as the presence of sidewalks, parks or other green spaces—can directly influence a child’s ability to engage in physical activity and, in turn, affect their risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes,” Lea Sacca, PhD, senior author and an assistant professor of population health in the Schmidt College of Medicine, said in a news release.²

Type 2 Diabetes Increase Among Children and Adolescents

Before the mid-1990s, only about 1% to 2% of children with diabetes had T2D. Currently, that proportion has risen to 24%-45%, with the average age of diagnosis around 13 years. The increase is associated with the growing number of children developing obesity, which has led to more cases of T2D in younger individuals. Too much sugar in children's bloodstream can cause increased thirst, hunger, and infections; frequent urination; fatigue; blurry vision; and darkened areas of skin.³

“With obesity rates continuing to rise, especially among young children, prevention efforts are critical,” Sacca added.²

Other risk factors for T2D in children include inactivity, diet, family history, race or ethnicity. Having a low birth weight or preterm birth is also associated with a higher risk, along with children born to women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy.³

“The rise in early-onset type 2 diabetes is a growing public health concern,” Sacca said. “Addressing it requires a comprehensive strategy. That includes improving access to nutritious foods, creating healthier neighborhood environments, and investing in policies that promote long-term wellness from the very start of life.”²

What Is Increasing Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Children?

Researchers conducted a large-scale study to examine changes in the prevalence of US childhood T2D in pediatrics from birth to age, using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health from 2016 to 2020. The investigators assessed physical activity, diet, neighborhood conditions, caregiver health, food security, and participation in government assistance programs.^1,2

The results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of T2D remained low and moderately stable during the study period; however, the development of T2D was associated with social and environmental factors. This differs from trends in individual behaviors that increase the risk of diabetes in this pediatric population.^1,2

The findings identified specific neighborhood and household characteristics that increased the risk of T2D. In both 2016 and 2020, living near a library was associated with T2D diagnosis, leading to sedentary and indoor activities, rather than outdoor physical activity. Between 2016 and 2020, caregivers increasingly reported neighborhood problems such as litter and vandalism, which were trends seen across all pediatric participants. For the early childhood subgroup, connections were seen in 2016 for receiving neighbor help and in 2019 regarding walkability levels in the neighborhood.^1,2

In 2017, access to free or reduced-cost meals demonstrated a similar link to neighborhood and household factors, and from 2019 to 2020, the use of government assistance programs like food stamps and free meal plans rose rapidly. While these programs help reduce food insecurity, the study authors noted that their effect on overall nutrition quality is difficult.^1,2

“While this finding could suggest improved access to food, previous research shows that relying on food assistance doesn’t always equate to better nutrition,” Sacca said. “For instance, children in food-insecure households tend to have poorer blood sugar control and higher hospitalization rates. Some research even suggests that participants in programs like SNAP may have worse diet quality than non-participants from similarly low-income households.”²

Despite the results, the study authors emphasize that obesity remains the most common risk factor for T2D in children. However, focus on food access, food quality, and environmental factors should be addressed in programs designed to prevent diabetes in children.^1,2

REFERENCES

1. Dunn, A., Brinzo, P., Kaleem, S. et al. Behavioral and dietary factors in U.S. early childhood type II diabetes. Pediatr Res (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-025-04417-y

2. It’s not just diet: where a child lives also raises type 2 diabetes risk. EurekAlert! News release. October 21, 2025. Accessed October 29, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1102664

3. Mayo Clinic. Type 2 diabetes in children. November 18, 2023. Accessed October 29, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes-in-children/symptoms-causes/syc-20355318