20 Sep USPSTF: Assesses Benefits and Harms of Screening for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Cabana
Michael Cabana, M.D., M.A., M.P.H
Professor of Pediatrics
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Physician-in-chief at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore
Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Dr. Cabana joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2019
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes have historically been far more common in adults, but the number of children and teens who have these conditions is rising. However, there is still very limited research on whether screening, early detection, and early treatment of diabetes will improve a child’s long-term health. Due to this lack of evidence, the Task Force was unable to assess the benefits and harms of screening, particularly in Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Pacific Islander populations, who are at a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We are calling for more research on this important topic.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes have historically been far more common in adults, but the number of children and teens who have these conditions is rising. However, there is still very limited research on whether screening, early detection, and early treatment of diabetes will improve a child’s long-term health.
Due to this lack of evidence, the Task Force was unable to assess the benefits and harms of screening, particularly in Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Pacific Islander populations, who are at a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We are calling for more research on this important topic.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: We need to better understand how screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes affects the current and long-term health of children and teens, especially those at a higher risk of developing this condition. We also need more information on whether lifestyle interventions, medication, or both can help children and teens who have been diagnosed with diabetes.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: The Task Force always considers how our recommendations may help eliminate racial disparities in healthcare and we recognize that Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Pacific Islander populations are at increased risk for diabetes and many other health conditions. Until we have enough evidence to make a recommendation, we advise clinicians to use their best judgement when deciding whether or not to screen any given patient for diabetes.
Citations:
US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2022;328(10):963–967. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.14543
Jin J. Screening for Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. JAMA. 2022;328(10):993. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.15240
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Last Updated on September 20, 2022 by Marie Benz MD FAAD