Type 2 diabetes in children and teens is on the rise thanks to childhood obesity, poor nutrition and lack of exercise. We need to educate ourselves now about diabetes and children and what we can do to help reverse the trend.

Type 2 Diabetes in Children is
Difficult to Diagnose

Some recent studies have shown that between 8% and 45% of children who have been diagnosed with diabetes actually have type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult onset diabetes). Up to 85% of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese.

In a large number of cases (up to 80% or more), when a child is diagnosed, there will be a family history of type 2 diabetes. Also, many times a parent discovers that they have type 2 diabetes after their child is diagnosed.

So parents, if your child is diagnosed, get yourself checked!

The reason for the big gap in numbers (8% and 45%) is that it is difficult to diagnose type 2 diabetes in children. In many cases, as with adults, diabetes can go undiagnosed. Also, there is suspicion that many type 2 diabetes cases in children are being misclassified as type 1 diabetes. The Chicago Registry estimates that this is true in 25% of cases. Now there are cases of double diabetes (both type 1 AND type 2 diabetes).

Type 2 diabetes is currently being diagnosed in children between the ages of 10 and 19. Experts say that we will start to see this occur in younger children as the childhood obesity crisis continues to rise.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for diabetes and children are similar to adults. For more on this, visit our main page on type 2 diabetes.

• Family history of diabetes
• Overweight or obese
• Lack of exercise
• Type 2 diabetes in children may be more common in girls than in boys
• More common in Hispanics, Native Americans, African Americans and Asian-Pacific Islanders

For children with type 2 diabetes, life may be lacking in the freedom department. At school when choosing lunch, the nutrition facts and vitamin content is always an issue. Not knowing what they are eating can cause serious problems with their health.

What happens to children who do not manage their diabetes correctly? First, a dramatic increase of risk for heart conditions is almost inevitable. When neglected, the cholesterol of a child throughout the transition into adulthood can possibly increase to dangerous proportion. The concentration of fat in arteries is an immediate threat to regular functionality, causes of stroke and heart attack.

Teaching a diabetic child how to exercise and eat properly to manage their blood sugar early on will go a long way. Use the resources of this site to learn more.

There are many support groups for children and adults alike with type 2 diabetes. For children especially, an education from an early age involving doctors is the way to start. This would include basic knowledge of the condition and emergency protocol for illness.

To learn more about type 2 diabetes in children, education yourself on type 2 diabetes in general. Browse our site and learn more about the early signs of diabetes, foods that lower blood sugar and what causes type 2 diabetes.

ARE YOU AT RISK?
Take the Diabetes Risk Test to
help you determine your risk of developing
pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

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