Type 2 Diabetes in Children
What is type 2 diabetes in children?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use
insulin normally. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Insulin is a hormone. It
helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells of the body to be used as fuel.
When glucose can’t enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called high
blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar can cause problems all over the body.
It can damage blood vessels and nerves. It can harm the eyes, kidneys, and heart.
What causes type 2 diabetes in a child?
The cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown. But it can run in families. It usually takes
another factor, such as obesity, to bring on the condition.
Which children are at risk for type 2 diabetes?
A child is more at risk for type 1 diabetes if he or she has any of these risk factors:
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight
- Not exercising regularly
- Being African American, Hispanic American, or American Indian
- A low level HDL cholesterol
- A high triglyceride level
- Being female
- Having slightly high blood sugar levels (prediabetes)
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in a child?
Type 2 diabetes often causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Frequent bladder infections
- Skin infections and wounds that don’t heal easily
- Needing to urinate often
- Weight loss despite more appetite
- Excess thirst
- Blurred vision
- Weakness and fatigue
- Irritability and mood changes
- Nausea and vomiting
- High levels of glucose in the blood and urine when tested
- Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child
sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed in a child?
Children at higher risk of type 2 diabetes should be screened. Screening may include
tests such as:
- Glycated hemoglobin A1C. This test measures the amount of glucose in red blood cells. It shows the average
blood glucose levels for the last 3 months.
- Fasting plasma glucose. The blood is tested after a period of not eating.
- Oral glucose tolerance test. This test is done by measuring blood glucose levels 2 hours after drinking a glucose
drink.
Other urine and blood tests may be done to see if your child has type 2 diabetes.
How is type 2 diabetes treated in a child?
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also
depend on how severe the condition is. The goal of treatment is to keep blood glucose levels
as close to normal as possible. Treatment will include:
- A healthy diet
- Weight loss, if needed
- Regular exercise
- Good hygiene
- Insulin replacement therapy (under the direction of your child's healthcare provider )
- Regular checking of blood sugar levels
- Oral medicines, if needed
- Insulin replacement, if needed
What are the possible complications of type 2 diabetes in a child?
Children with type 2 diabetes are at risk for problems such as:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- Depression
- Eating disorders
Other possible complications that may show up later in life include:
- Vascular disease
- Kidney damage
- Eye damage
- Heart disease
- Damage to the nervous system
What can I do to prevent type 2 diabetes in my child?
Lifestyle changes that may prevent or delay type 2 diabetes include:
- A healthy diet
- Weight loss, if needed
- Regular exercise
How can I help my child live with type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition. It requires lifestyle changes in order to
keep healthy blood glucose levels. It’s important to work closely with your child's
healthcare team to create an ongoing plan that works for your child.
It helps if the whole family makes lifestyle changes together to develop healthy habits.
For example:
- Eating least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
- Eating foods high in fiber and low in fat
- Eating smaller portion sizes off smaller plates
- Doing regular physical activity each day, such as sports, bike riding, or walking
- Limiting screen time to no more than 1 to 2 hours a day, including TV, computer, and
video games
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
Call your child’s healthcare provider if your child is at risk for diabetes.
Key points about type 2 diabetes in children
- Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use
insulin normally. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder.
- High blood sugar can cause problems all over the body. It can damage blood vessels
and nerves. It can harm the eyes, kidneys, and heart.
- Risk factors for type 1 diabetes include family history, excess weight, and not enough
exercise.
- Children at higher risk of type 2 diabetes should be screened. Screening is done with
blood tests.
- Treatment includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss. Medicines and
insulin may be needed in some cases.
- Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition. It requires lifestyle changes in order to
keep healthy blood glucose levels. It’s important to work closely with your child's
healthcare team to create an ongoing plan that works for your child.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s health care provider:
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any
new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
- If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose
for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important
if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.