Overview
Type 2 diabetes in children is a chronic condition that affects the way their body processes sugar (glucose) for fuel. It is more commonly seen in adults, but due to the increasing number of children with obesity, there are more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people. The main issues in type 2 diabetes are the pancreas not producing enough insulin, and cells responding poorly to insulin. It can be managed with healthy eating, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. If necessary, oral medication or insulin treatment may be required.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children may develop gradually and can include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, darkened skin areas, and unintended weight loss. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider if any of these signs or symptoms are noticed, as undiagnosed type 2 diabetes can cause serious damage. Diabetes screening is recommended for children who have started puberty or are at least 10 years old, who are overweight or obese, and who have at least one other risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes in children include: being overweight or obese, inactivity, a family history of the condition, consuming a diet high in red and processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages, and having a history of gestational diabetes or being born prematurely or with a low birth weight. In addition to these factors, ethnicity and age can also play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes in children.
Development
Type 2 diabetes in children develops due to a combination of insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production by the pancreas. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels. Over time, the pancreas may not be able to produce enough insulin to compensate for this resistance, resulting in type 2 diabetes. The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not fully understood, but family history and genetics are believed to play a significant role. Factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet can also contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in children. In summary, type 2 diabetes in children is primarily caused by a combination of insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production, influenced by genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and other contributors.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should see a doctor if you notice any of the signs or symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children, as the disease can cause serious damage if left undiagnosed. Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, darkened areas of skin, unintended weight loss, and frequent infections. It is recommended to schedule an appointment with your child's health care provider if any of these symptoms are present.
Diagnosis
To diagnose type 2 diabetes in children, health care providers typically recommend a random blood sugar test, fasting blood sugar test, or glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. A random blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or higher, along with symptoms, suggests diabetes. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher suggests type 1 diabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of type 2 diabetes in children include high cholesterol, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke, nerve damage, kidney disease, and eye disease, which may lead to blindness. These complications can be severe or life-threatening if left untreated. By working with your child to maintain good blood sugar control, encouraging healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, and scheduling regular visits with their diabetes treatment team, you can help reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
Home Remedies
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of type 2 diabetes in children. They can provide guidance on lifestyle changes, diet, and any necessary medications or interventions to help manage the condition effectively.
Treatment
The treatments for type 2 diabetes in children may include healthy lifestyle changes, oral medication, or insulin therapy. Healthy lifestyle changes involve encouraging the child to eat healthy foods, get plenty of physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight. If these changes aren't enough to control type 2 diabetes, oral medications or insulin treatment may be necessary. It's important to work closely with a diabetes treatment team to develop an appropriate treatment plan for the child.