Isaac 1

Sherquan Isaac

Kellie Arthur

FOUN 1008: Introduction to Professional Writing

October 10th ,2023

Causes of type 2 diabetes in the youth

The type 2 diabetes epidemic has been a major topic of discussion for some time with a

focus on the investigation and examination of the factors that lead to this non-communicable

disease's classification as an epidemic. Health organizations and medical professionals have all

presented research highlighting the worries about the problems causing this epidemic. Since

youth are seen as society's future leaders, the rise in youth-related cases has served as a motif and

catalyst for explanation, or rather, solution. It is crucial that a society comprehends the origins of

this illness sufficiently to develop logical treatments to eradicate it. As a result, this review will

concentrate on four of the main causes of type 2 diabetes in the youth. These consist of obesity,

poor dietary choices, physical inactivity, and poverty.

Obesity

Obesity is a major cause of type 2 diabetes in the youth. Characterized by abnormal or excessive

fat accumulation in WHO’s article “Obesity”, understanding its implications is crucial for

analyzing this health issue. Samuel Klein Amalia Gastaldelli, Hannele Yki-Jarvinen, and Philipp

E. Scherer share that an accumulation of excessive body fat can cause type 2 diabetes, and as

body mass increases, the risk of disease rises linearly. As a result, the prevalence of type 2

diabetes has increased along with the global increase in obesity occurrence (11). Christine
 Isaac 2

Fallabel (“Does Obesity Cause Diabetes?”) adds to this point with the notion that obesity is one

of the most important risk factors in the development of metabolic diseases such as type 2

diabetes. She notes that obesity desensitizes the body to the effects of insulin, making it harder

for it to control blood sugar levels. Although this is true, type 2 diabetes is not always directly

caused by obesity. However, it increases the likelihood that it will develop. Lauren Pandoff

(“Obesity and Diabetes: What Is the Relationship?”) provides a summation of the previously

stated literature with additional information as she details the relationship between diabetes and

obesity. She concurs that Diabetes is influenced by obesity-associated inflammation, which

reduces insulin sensitivity and increases insulin resistance.

Consequently, cells do not respond effectively to insulin, causing blood sugar levels to

rise. The pancreas produces excess insulin, causing the liver to convert sugar into bodily fat. The

information collectively lends credence to the hypothesis that obesity poses a serious risk for

type 2 diabetes. In varied degrees of detail, the sources offer a true account of this concept. A

biological perspective is taken on the previously mentioned concept by Pandoff; a medical

practitioner perspective is taken by Fallabel; and a surface-level perspective is taken by Klein et

al. Despite this, they each add to the concept as a whole and are thus distinct parts of that whole.

Poor Dietary choices

Aged as it may be, poor dietary choices amongst the youth persist when prevalent

complications are questioned. Poor food choices are a possible direct cause of obesity, and

because of this connection, type 2 diabetes gradually opens its gates. Dana Dabelea, MD, PhD,

Richard F. Hamman, MD, DrPH, and William C. Knowler, MD, DrPH, convey that Obesity is

likely connected to shifts in children’s diets. In the book “Diabetes in America”, they concur that
 Isaac 3

there was an inversely proportional relationship between the consumption of fast foods and

home-cooked meals, with fast and high fatty/sugary dense food consumption increasing while

time for home-cooked meals has decreased (12). Hiba Jebeil, Aaron S Kelly, Grace O’Malley,

and Louise A Baur share a similar view, claiming that Dietary factors that increase a child or

adolescent's risk of obesity include consuming too many high-energy, low-micronutrient foods

and beverages, as well as the widespread marketing of these and fast foods (352). Dr. Philippe

Sarrazin and Prof. David Trouilloud add to these sentiments claiming that there is an inverse

correlation between calorie consumption and expenditure which is the reason for obesity and

overweight. They further note that Worldwide, there has been an increase in the consumption of

high-energy, high-fat, and high-sugar foods, as well as an increase in physical inactivity brought

on by shifting modes of transportation, expanding urbanization, and the increasingly sedentary

nature of many jobs (2). These literary works highlight the high frequency of foods low in

micronutrients that young people overindulge in, which contributes to their gradual decline

towards obesity. the data points eventually lend support to this assertion, but they each provide a

different angle on why this is the case. According to Dabelea et al, this was the case since the

time for home-cooked meals lessoned while fast food consumption increased. According to

Jebeil et al., this can be partially attributed to the fast food’s extensive marketing. Last but not

least, Sarrazin et al suggest that a global increase in physical inactivity may be part of the

problem as a high consumption of calories with little to no expenditure was observed.

 Isaac 4

Physical inactivity

Physical inactivity, allied with obesity and type 2 diabetes, is a significant issue affecting

the youth. This absence of physical activity presents potential onslaughts of diabetic and obesity-

related complications, in the book “Diabetes in America” Dabelea et al study the nature of the

youth’s physical activity patterns. They share that children's and adolescents' physical activity

patterns have decreased in tandem with their aforementioned poor dietary changes. They further

claim that children’s levels of physical activity are significantly reduced in the developed world

as seen through the sometimes overuse of computers and televisions, the absence of organized

sports, safe areas for children to play, and dwindling circumstances of active transport to school

(12). Jebeil et al reiterate this point, by stating that decreased levels of physical activity with

increasing sedentary behavior throughout childhood in all children contribute to the development

of obesity. The loss of public recreation areas, the rise in motorized transportation constituting a

reduction in active transportation, such as walking and cycling, the perception of unsafe

neighborhoods that discourage active behavior, and the rise in passive entertainment like gaming

and television usage are some of the primary reasons why children and adolescents are not

sufficiently active in the majority of countries (353). Bhavesh Kumar, Rebecca Robinson, and

Simon Till share similar views adding that Inactivity is the fourth most common cause of death

worldwide. This group of actions, which use a very small amount of energy, is particularly

common in contemporary life.

Additionally, they draw attention to the fact that, in contrast to their counterparts from

fifty years ago, today's adolescents who participate in sports for an hour, three times a week, are

still likely to lead "sedentary" lives. Screen time, which includes time spent on computers,

televisions, and other smart devices, averages 6.1 hours per day for young adolescents. (268).
 Isaac 5

The literature provided lends support to the assertion that societies are beset by a physical

inactivity problem. Though this was the consensus amongst the three sources, there exist

discrepancies in information in this collection of sources. While the final source strays from this

pattern, the first two sources offer relatively similar findings. There is agreement between

Dabelea et al. and Jebeil et al.'s findings when they state that factors contributing to physical

inactivity include excessive screen time, a lack of sports, and active transportation. While Kumar

et al similarly discuss screen time, their findings do not address the other factors that contribute

to inactivity that were covered by the first two sources.

Poverty

Poverty is linked to obesity and ultimately type 2 diabetes, but its impact on the disease is

less discussed. Despite education efforts, a lack of monetary tools can lead to unfavorable

skewness in the fight against this disease. Faareha Siddiqui, Rehana A. Salam, Zohra S. Lassi,

and Jai K. Das provide a concise statement that shows how poverty is linked with the

consumption of micronutrient-poor foods, a key player in the development of diabetes. They

claim that. Financial limitations brought on by poverty result in the consumption of low-cost,

high-energy staple foods, mainly carbs and fats instead of nutrient-dense foods. Energy levels

rise when fats and carbohydrates are consumed, but nutritional quality is lost. The consequence

of this is reduced nutritional quality and nutrient deficiencies (2). Lee Hedwig (“Why Poverty

Leads to Obesity and Lifelong Problems”) adds to this point in her explanation of why poverty is

a key benefactor of diabetes based on the premise that poor families do not have the means to

afford healthy that as a result affects the food they consume and the status of their physical

activities. she concurs that Families choose high-fat, high-energy foods like sugars, cereals,
 Isaac 6

potatoes, and processed meat products because they are less expensive and have a longer shelf

life than fresh produce, fruits, lean meats, and seafood. With this, their Options for regular

physical activity can also be restricted, in that Families typically lack the funds to pay for

structured extracurricular activities for their children, and schools in underprivileged

communities are less likely than those in wealthier areas to offer sports or physical education

programs. Kosuke Inoue, Teresa E. Seeman, c,d Rocha Nianogo,c, and Yusuke Okubo share

similar views to the aforementioned stated claims and add to this with the introduction of the

educational factor. They claim that “Household education and income levels are strong

predictors of childhood obesity, presumably because children from families with lower education

and income levels are more likely to have limited access to healthy diets, be less physically

active, and spend more time indulging in recreational screen media. Since poverty may affect a

family for generations, limited opportunities, and unhealthy lifestyles may increase the chance

that children of each generation will develop obesity” (2).

The data points collectively provide credence to the claim that poverty plays a major role

in the development of type 2 diabetes by influencing dietary and physical activity choices made

by families. Although this was the three sources' overall consensus, there are disparities in the

information in this collection of sources. The premises between the last two sources are where

the first difference is located. Though with a unique twist, the conclusions from the last two

sources are comparatively similar, Financial limitations that impede families' ability to lead

healthy lifestyles are the reason behind obesity in low-income families, according to both

Hedwig's findings and those of Inoue et al. On different grounds, however, are the underlying

assumptions of this ideology. While Hedwig contends that low income and inadequate education

are the root causes of this issue, Inoue et al base their claim on the idea of lack of funds by many
 Isaac 7

families. The last disparity concerns information, rather its lack thereof, and pits the first source

against the final two. The first source by Siddiqui et al demonstrates how poverty negatively

influences families' food choices, often leading to increases in malnutrition. It does not, however,

provide information on how poverty can negatively impact patterns of physical inactivity, which

renders its content less informative compared to the other sources.

Conclusion

The central question of “What causes type 2 diabetes in the youth?” has been the subject

of countless studies and research projects. Subsequently, the three themes of obesity, poor

dietary choices, physical inactivity, and poverty that lend support to this topic were gleaned and

explored. Ultimately, Pandoff, Fallabel, and Klein offer diverse perspectives on the assertion that

obesity poses a serious risk for type 2 diabetes, each contributing to the overall understanding of

the concept and its potential impact on health. On the cusp of youth and poor choices, birthed the

theme of Poor dietary choices. Sarrazin, Dabelea, and Jebeil highlight the high frequency of low-

nutrient foods in young people, contributing to their gradual decline towards obesity. Factors like

decreasing time for home-cooked meals, increased fast food consumption, extensive marketing,

and global physical inactivity, they noted to be co-contributors to this issue. The woe of physical

activity plaguing societies is covered by Jebeil, Dabelea, and Kumar. Their literature lends

support to the notion that physical inactivity is a prevalent issue in societies. While they agreed

upon contributing factors like excessive screen time, lack of sports, and active transportation,

Kumar's research did not address other factors that contribute to inactivity. Type 2 diabetes as a

disease of poverty is discussed by Inoue, Hedwig, and Siddiqui. Their research supports the

notion that poverty significantly influences families' dietary and physical activity choices,
 Isaac 8

contributing to type 2 diabetes. However, disparities exist in the information presented. Hedwig

and Inoue cover dietary and physical activity choices, however, Hedwig argues that low income

and inadequate education are the root deciding factors of said choices, while Inoue et al base

their claim on a family’s lack of funds. Siddiqui et al highlight poverty's impact on families' food

choices, leading to malnutrition, but lacks information on its negative impact on physical

inactivity patterns.
 Isaac 9

Works Cited

Dabelea, Dana, et al. Diabetes in America, 3rd Edition: DIABETES IN YOUTH. 3rd ed.,

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (US), 2018,

www.niddk.nih.gov/-/media/Files/Strategic-Plans/Diabetes-in-America-3rd-

Edition/DIA_Ch15.pdf.

---. “Diabesity: How Obesity Is Related to Diabetes.” Cleveland Clinic, 17 Jan. 2023,

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diabesity-the-connection-between-obesity-and-diabetes

Fallabel, Christine. “Does Obesity Cause Diabetes?” Healthline, 19 June 2023,

www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/does-obesity-cause-diabetes.

Fetters, K. Aleisha. “How Exercise Helps Prevent and Manage Type 2 Diabetes.”

EverydayHealth.com, 31 July 2023, www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/how-exercise-helps-

prevent-and-manage-type-2-diabetes.

Jebeile, Hiba, et al. “Obesity in Children and Adolescents: Epidemiology, Causes, Assessment and

Management.” Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, vol. 10, Mar. 2022,

www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/landia/PIIS2213-8587(22)00047-X.pdf.

Kumar, Bhavesh, et al. “Physical Activity and Health in Adolescence.” Clinical Medicine, vol. 15, no. 3,

pp. 267–72. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.15-3-267.

 Isaac 10

Klein, Samuel, et al. “Why Does Obesity Cause Diabetes?” Cell Metabolism, Jan. 2022,

www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1550-4131%2821%2900631-8.

Lee, Hedwig. “Why Poverty Leads to Obesity and Life-Long Problems.” Scholars Strategy Network,

Aug. 2019, https://scholars.org/contribution/why-poverty-leads-obesity-and-life-long-problems

---. Obesity. 21 Feb. 2020, www.who.i11nt/health-topics/obesity/#tab=tab_1

Sarrazin, Philippe, and David Trouilloud. “Causes and Prevention of Obesity in Children: Review.”

IDOSR JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, AND PHARMACY 5(1)1-4, 2020, pp.

1–4. www.idosr.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/IDOSR-JBCP-511-4-2020.pdf.

Inoue, Kosuke, et al. “The Effect of Poverty on the Relationship Between Household Education

Levels and Obesity in U.S. Children and Adolescents: An Observational Study.” The Lancet

Regional Health - Americas, vol. 25, Sept. 2023, pp. 1–11.

www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2667-193X%2823%2900139-4.

Rd, Lauren Panoff Mph. “Obesity and Diabetes: What Is the Relationship?” Verywell Health, 28

Nov. 2022, www.verywellhealth.com/obesity-and-diabetes-6823190.

Siddiqui, Faareha, et al. “The Intertwined Relationship Between Malnutrition and Poverty.” Frontiers in

Public Health, vol. 8, Frontiers Media, Aug. 2020, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00453.