Clinical characteristics and beta-cell function of Chinese children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes from 2009 to 2018.

A younger onset age and greater male susceptibility were found in Chinese pediatric T2D patients, and there was a stepwise deterioration trend in beta-cell function among patients with obesity, prediabetes and T2D. Based on our results, together with the SEARCH study results, an early screening and intervention program for T2D is recommended in high-risk or obese Chinese pediatric populations starting at 7 years.