Social Inequalities in the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Hungarian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Adapted FINDRISC

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common non-communicable chronic diseases worldwide, with risk factors that can appear as early as adolescence. Socioeconomic status (SES), health behaviors, and health literacy determine health outcomes in the long term. Early identification of lifestyle, dietary habits, and diabetes risk in young people is crucial for prevention. The aim of this study was to explore the relationships between SES, T2DM risk, and diabetes-related knowledge among Hungarian high school students aged 16–20 years using the FINDRISC (Finnish Diabetes Risk Score) questionnaire adapted for adolescence. Method: A nationwide, cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in Hungarian secondary schools (N=1,585). The SES status of respondents was determined using cluster analysis, and diabetes risk was assessed using a modified, age-adjusted FINDRISC score. Correlations were assessed through cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses using SPSS version 27.0. Results: The prevalence of moderate to high diabetes risk was 7.3%. Students with low SES were significantly more likely to be classified into higher-risk categories (OR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.35-5.81). A significant relationship was found between SES and FINDRISC-based risk categories (p<0.001). High-SES students had significantly higher levels of diabetes knowledge (OR = 2.44; p = 0.007). The proportion of correct responses to questions about insulin function and the effects of diet and exercise on blood glucose levels was significantly higher in the group with more favorable social status (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Social differences already influence diabetes risk and health knowledge in adolescence. The adapted FINDRISC is suitable for identifying risk groups. Schools can play a key role in prevention and promoting equal opportunities.