A vicious circle is in operation and we have no idea of how devastating the outcome will be. In the past it was easy to diagnose a child with juvenile onset or type 1 diabetes. This child typically presented with weight loss, dehydration and thirst. Now there is a new picture; obesity has spread to younger children and there is a much higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes than ever before.

A recent report stated:

one child in four, born in the year 2000 will end up being diagnosed with this condition
nearly one child in ten with diabetes now has type 2
twenty years ago this condition was unheard of in young children or adolescents
we do not yet realize the damaging effects of childhood obesity
this could mean the complications now seen in mature people, will be seen in young adults and lead to a lower-life expectancy

Add to that the difficulty these children will experience with their peers:

obesity is a burden for a child, even without diabetes
maintaining high self esteem can be very difficult for overweight children
in adolescent years attractiveness equates with body shape and intelligence

The younger a person is at the time of diagnosis, the more likely they are to develop devastating complications during their lifetime. They could develop:

blindness
kidney failure
a higher rate of heart disease than older adults with type 2

The cycle continues as babies born to young women with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of inheriting the same.

Just as in adults, this condition in young people takes several years to develop. Children:

are usually overweight or obese
have a strong family history of diabetes
are likely to have acanthosis nigricans, a velvety darkening of the skin especially around the neck and under the arms. This is a due to insulin resistance
girls are more likely to have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
if still studying, often lack the ability to concentrate so have poor grades
suffer from fatigue
often only have a mild increase in thirst and urination

How is this treated?

Once diagnosed by your health care provider, managing young people with type 2 diabetes is a family affair. A healthy eating plan and lifestyle changes the whole family can join in, is often suggested. The best news is these changes are great for everyone’s health.

The aim is to:

normalize blood sugar levels
reduce blood fats
prevent the development of complications

Type 2 diabetes can be managed successfully through a combination of regular physical activity, a healthy eating plan and sometimes medication.