RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adolescents is increasing, particularly among those in lower socioeconomic areas, and of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Pacific Islander and Asian ethnicities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to test the acceptability and feasibility of a brief screening program for T2DM risk factors in young adolescents in a general practice in a high-risk, low socioeconomic area. METHODS: Twenty-two adolescents participated in the program over three months. Anthropometric measures, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids, diet and exercise data were collected. Parents completed a short survey. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics and frequency graphs, and brief qualitative data on acceptability were also collected. RESULTS: Nineteen out of the 22 adolescents had at least one risk factor for developing T2DM and 11 had three or more risk factors. Thirty-two per cent of the participants had a parent currently living with T2DM and five out of 22 had an HbA1c level >5.8%, suggesting increased risk for T2DM. DISCUSSION: Screening was feasible and acceptable in this setting. The findings suggest a need for extended screening in the future.