Epidemiology including youth through adulthood and socioeconomic impact

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health issue affecting populations around the world. Projections based on demographics and expected shifts in population density suggest that this is going to be a long-term problem with major increases in the number of individuals with T2D over the course of the next few decades. Understanding the extent of the existing health problem caused by T2D puts into perspective the urgent need for programs to prevent T2D and its complications. In this chapter I will address recent estimates for the prevalence of diabetes along with changes in the patterns of prevalence, especially the emergence of T2D in youth. The evidence for diabetes risk factors, categorized as either fi xed, related to early life, or modi fi able, will be assessed including underlying issues with the means of measurement. Again special mention will be given to the evidence for measures of risk in childhood. Finally, the data for the current socioeconomic impact of diabetes will be considered along with the evidence for the cost-effectiveness of T2D prevention.