The incidence of types 1 and 2 diabetes increased substantially among youths over a 10-year period ending in 2012, according to a study involving more than 14,000 individuals. Minorities appear to be driving the increases.

Investigators looked at cases of both type 1 (n=11,245) and type 2 (n=2,846) diabetes at 5 centers in the US. Among the results:

• Unadjusted analysis showed that type 1 diabetes incidence increased by 1.4% annually.
• Incidence increased 4.2% annually in Hispanics, and 1.2%/year in whites.
• Unadjusted analysis showed that type 2 diabetes increased more than 7% annually.
• Incidence of type 2 diabetes among whites was lower than it was in blacks, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans.
• Annual type 2 diabetes incidence increased 3.1% annually in Hispanics, and nearly 9%/year in Native Americans.
• After adjusting for certain variables, the relative annual incidence increase for type 1 diabetes was nearly 2%; for type 2 diabetes it was nearly 5%.