Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents: key considerations based on the 2025 Korea Diabetes Association clinical practice guidelines for diabetes management

the editor, The prevalence of 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among Korean youths increased significantly, reflecting global trends.According to national database reports, T2DM prevalence among Korean children, adolescents, and young adults increased from 2.27 per 10,000 in 2002 to 10.08 per 10,000 in 2016-a 4.43-fold increase over 15 years [1].This increase is closely linked to the pediatric obesity epidemic in Korea and demographic factors such as increases in maternal age and small for gestational age births, both established independent risk factors for youthonset T2DM [1].Youth-onset T2DM is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular complications compared with adult-onset cases, emphasizing the critical need for early screening and effective management [2].In response, the Korean Diabetes Association (KDA) published updated pediatric guidelines in 2025 [3].The chapter on management of T2DM in children and adolescents aligns closely with the latest international standards, integrating key recommendations from the 2025