From Childhood Trauma to Adult Health: Understanding the Role of Adverse Experiences in Diabetes Risk

Although evidence from previous studies suggests a correlation between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), research efforts have yet to fully explore this association among Latino young adults. The objective of this longitudinal study was to assess the potential influence of ACEs scores on the diabetes risk among Latino adults who previously engaged in a diabetes prevention lifestyle intervention program. Five years post intervention, 41 individuals out of the original cohort of 91 participants returned for follow-up and answered a 10-question survey assessing ACEs. Diabetes risk (fasting glucose, 2-hour fasting glucose, HbA1c, and BMI) and quality of life were assessed at 5 timepoints (baseline, 3-months, 6-months, 12-months, and 60-months). Utilizing SPSS, T-tests were utilized to assess the relationship between ACEs and T2D risk. Among the 41 participants (age was 20.6 ±0.9), the mean reported ACE score was 1.5 ±1.9, ranging from 0 to 7. The most frequently reported ACEs was emotional abuse (n=12, 30.0%) and the least frequently reported ACEs was sexual abuse (n=3, 7.3%). Individuals who reported 0 ACEs had significantly lower fasting glucose at 12 months and had lower BMI at 60 months compared to those with 1-7 ACEs. In this study, there was a significant relationship between higher ACEs and increased BMI and fasting glucose among Latinos. Implementing culturally-sensitive interventions addressing family dynamics along with health behaviors could prove pivotal in preventing and managing diabetes among Latino youth.