Prevalence of Known Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Multiethnic Urban Youth in Edmonton: Findings From the WHY ACT NOW Project
Abstract
The Canadian Diabetes Risk Assessment Questionnaire (CANRISK) is a validated, evidence-based, self-administered tool to assess the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiethnic Canadian adults. Identifying individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes allows early intervention that improves modifiable risk factors. This study examined the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in multiethnic urban youth in Edmonton, Alberta. Almost 25% of the participating multiethnic youth 11 to 23 years of age scored in the moderate or high category of CANRISK. The most prevalent risk factors were ethnicity, followed by physical inactivity, overweight or obesity and low fruit and vegetable consumption. A validated type 2 diabetes screening tool for youth as well as culturally appropriate, evidence-based and multidisciplinary diet and lifestyle interventions aiming to improve modifiable type 2 diabetes risk factors in multiethnic youth, particularly targeting socioeconomically disadvantaged and immigrant children and youth, should be developed, implemented and evaluated.
Notes
Location
Edmonton, Alberta
Key recommendations
Develop an easy and noninvasive screening tool for identifying youth at risk for type 2 diabetes
Key findings
Developing an easy and noninvasive screening tool for identifying children and youth at risk for type 2 diabetes is necessary; Modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes were common in the sample of youth in Edmonton; Risk of type 2 diabetes varies by sex, ethnicity and household socioeconomic status
Gaps identified
There is a need for an easy and noninvasive screening tool for identifying youth at risk for type 2 diabetes
Key populations
“multiethnic urban youth” (11-23 years old)
Community organizations
NA
Integration timeline
At what point during the integration process the study was conducted?
Fewer than 5 years to more than 5 years
Open-access – No