Cases of Type 2 Diabetes Rising Dramatically in Young People Recent studies from the United States, Canada and Japan have shown that Type 2 diabetesówhich normally occurs only in adultsóis now affecting an increasing number of children and adolescents, according to a recent release by the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes experts find this trend alarming because they fear a future increase in premature heart disease, strokes, blindness, amputations and other complications. Until the last few years, Type 2 diabetes was rare in young people, but increasing obesity and inactivity in youth is believed to play a major role in the early development of the disease. Researchers are calling for more research on diabetes in youngsters. Fewer than one in five Americans with Diabetes now take ADA-Recommended Aspirin In 1997, the American Diabetes Association recommended that regular aspirin use could reduce the risk of heart disease - a complication of diabetes. However, a recent report found that few people with diabetes were taking aspirin to reduce diabetes-related heart disease. Speak to your health care professional about whether or not this is a treatment option for you. See Management and Treatment for more information .