### Early Puberty and Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Boys Recent research suggests that boys who hit puberty earlier than average may face an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. A study conducted by Swedish scientists found that boys who experienced their peak height velocity (PHV) before the age of 13.4 were roughly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes by their fifties or younger compared to those who reached PHV closer to age 15. This early growth spurt is a potential new risk factor for the disease. The study, published in the journal Diabetologia, analyzed data from around 30,000 Swedish men over three decades. Researchers used growth charts to document the adolescent growth spurts of these men, which typically occur two years after the start of puberty. Interestingly, boys who had their growth spurt after age 15 had a 30% reduced risk of developing early diabetes compared to those with an average-age PHV. Importantly, the researchers ruled out higher childhood BMI as a factor, as it is already known that a higher BMI in childhood is a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes. The findings were not influenced by the men’s birth year, country of birth, birthweight, or education level. While the exact reason for the link between early puberty and increased diabetes risk is not clear, one theory is that early puberty leads to more visceral fat in adulthood. This type of fat gathers around the abdominal organs and is known to increase cardiometabolic risk factors like high blood pressure and abnormal lipid levels. To lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising, and reducing blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Monitoring adolescents' height and weight can help identify individuals at increased risk. Both adolescents and adult males should take diabetes prevention seriously. Simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in reducing the risk of this chronic disease.