Robert Lustig: Why Are Kids Getting Type 2 Diabetes? Understanding the Causes of a Growing Epidemic

Welcome to the Emery Pharma Speaker Series!

These shorts are designed to spotlight critical topics from our conversation with Dr. Robert Lustig, MD, a renowned expert in metabolism and public health. Dr. Lustig has an extraordinary ability to break down complex scientific concepts into simple, relatable ideas that anyone can understand.

In the main video, Dr. Lustig discusses the dramatic rise in Type 2 diabetes among children—virtually unheard of before 1990. In this compelling interview with Dr. Ron Najafi, CEO of Emery Pharma, he links this alarming trend to the widespread consumption of ultra-processed foods, particularly added sugars. Dr. Lustig explains that Type 2 diabetes, once an adult-only disease, now accounts for one-third of all diabetes cases in children, signaling a dire public health crisis fueled by modern dietary habits.

Dr. Lustig reveals that added sugars, especially fructose, act as chronic toxins that damage mitochondria and disrupt metabolism. He highlights how children are increasingly developing conditions previously exclusive to adults, such as fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. Other harmful elements in ultra-processed foods—like trans fats, preservatives, and emulsifiers—further exacerbate metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, promoting chronic diseases in both children and adults.

He also delves into the distinction between metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity. Subcutaneous fat, while cosmetically undesirable, is metabolically protective. However, visceral and liver fat pose serious health risks, regardless of weight. Dr. Lustig identifies waist circumference and fasting insulin levels as practical biomarkers for metabolic health, advocating for their routine use in medical assessments.

The discussion explores the controversial use of statins for cardiovascular disease prevention. While Dr. Lustig supports their use after a heart attack (secondary prevention), he challenges their widespread prescription for primary prevention, citing their limited effectiveness in reducing heart disease risk. He also warns that statins can impair mitochondrial function, raising the risk of diabetes and metabolic issues.

Dr. Lustig emphasizes the need for moderation in sugar consumption, advocating for whole fruits with their natural fiber intact. He explains that fiber slows sugar absorption and benefits gut health, contrasting sharply with processed foods and beverages that lack fiber and accelerate harmful metabolic effects. He calls for regulatory action to recognize added sugars as toxic food additives.

Additionally, the conversation covers artificial sweeteners, which, despite being calorie-free, still trigger insulin responses and contribute to weight gain. Dr. Lustig highlights persistent misconceptions about diet and metabolism in medical education and public policies, urging greater awareness and dietary reform to combat the root causes of these health crises.

Dr. Najafi enriches the discussion by connecting these insights to public health and pharmaceutical research, emphasizing their practical implications. Together, they stress the urgency of addressing modern dietary habits to mitigate the metabolic health challenges facing both children and adults.

Or simply click on the link at the bottom of this short. Enjoy!

[Irishpenguinirish]

A lot of Native American kids get type 2 diabetes because they don't have the same constitution that Europeans had; they can thrive on their native foods, but the refined flours and fats that they can afford are deficient in nutrition, and difficult for them to digest.

[claravanrooyen]

More or less 1968 a about 2- year old daughter of Friends/family of our neighbours had type 1 diabetes

[katherinemolinari]

It’s called: Candy, food dye’s, cake, sugar, processed foods, sugary drinks, etc, etc..😣

[forreal]

Its a combo of they are sitting around not exercising like kids us to do in their play OUTSIDE. And they are eating both the wrong foods and eating way to much.

[glennthompson]

Well if you make medicine that allows children with genetic diseases survive to adulthood and reproduce, then that genetic condition will become more common. Kids with type 1 used to fie pretty young.

[FreePalestineEndZionism]

Is it from all the sugar they are fed by the parents? Carbs=sugar. Fruit=sugar. I see lots of videos by parents making a bunch of sugar for their kids and not enough actual nutrition.

[annipeg]

Ha Dr Lustig. I see you’re being quoted in a Lifetime magazine I got in the mail today. Jan/Feb 2025 edition.