Risk perception influences how younger adults manage T2DM. Distinct Risk Perception Profiles Identified in Younger Adults With T2DM
 reported a cross-sectional analysis that classified latent complication risk perception categories and compared associated self-management behaviors.

The study enrolled 316 young and middle-aged adults with T2DM from a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province, China. Data collection occurred between September 2024 and March 2025. Participants completed a general information questionnaire, the Diabetes Risk Perception Scale and the Diabetes Self-Management Behavior Scale. Latent profile analysis identified complication risk perception categories, and logistic regression evaluated factors associated with category membership. Self-management behavior scores were compared across categories.

Three categories were identified. The Low Risk Perception–Optimism Bias Group accounted for 43.7%. The Overall Medium Risk Perception Group accounted for 42.%. The High Risk Perception–Worry Group accounted for 14.2%. Education level, employment status, disease duration, complications and hypoglycemia within the previous week were significantly associated with category assignment (p<0.05).

Self-management behavior scores differed across the latent categories (p<0.05). The High Risk Perception–Worry Group recorded the highest mean score at 2.54 with a standard deviation of 0.56. The Low Risk Perception–Optimism Bias Group recorded the lowest mean score at 2.02 with a standard deviation of 1.12.

These findings indicate that younger adults with T2DM show distinct patterns of complication risk perception that align with measurable differences in self-management behavior. Targeted approaches tailored to each risk profile may help strengthen self-management practices.