Objectives: As little is known about the burden of type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes
(T2DM) in adolescents in Western Europe (WE), we aimed to explore their epidemiology
among 10-24 year-olds. Methods: Estimates were retrieved from the Global Burden of
Diseases Study (GBD) 2019. We reported counts, rates per 100,000 population, and percentage
changes from 1990 to 2019 for prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability
(YLDs) of T1DM and T2DM, and the burden of T2DM in YLDs attributable to high body
mass index (HBMI), for 24 WE countries. Results: In 2019, prevalence and disability
estimates were higher for T1DM than T2DM among 10-24 years old adolescents in WE.
However, T2DM showed a greater increase in prevalence and disability than T1DM in
the 30 years observation period in all WE countries. Prevalence increased with age,
while only minor differences were observed between sexes. Conclusion: Our findings
highlight the substantial burden posed by DM in WE among adolescents. Health system
responses are needed for transition services, data collection systems, education,
and obesity prevention.
