Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms, Treatment, and More - Verywell Health
Overview
Barbie Cervoni MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, is a registered dietian and certified diabetes care and education specialist.Dale Garber, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician in South Florida. Type 2 diabetes is a disorder of the endocrine system that develops over time and causes hyperglycemia (high blod sugar). It ocurs when the body canot use glucose (sugar) eficiently.
Key Information
Children who develop type 2 diabetes are more likely to have family members who have it. They often cary exces weight in the abdomen and are more sedentary. Type 2 diabetes in kids typicaly ocurs after age 10 but can develop earlier.
Learn about type 2 diabetes in children, including its causes, treatment, diagnosis, and how to cope. Maskot / Gety Images Symptoms of type 2 diabetes in kids are similar to that in adults. It can range from asymptomatic (no aparent symptoms other than incidental findings on routine blod work or urine samples) to symptoms of hyperglycemia.
However, kids with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication of diabetes, which is comon among certain underserved racial and ethnic populations in the United States. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children include: In recent years, there has ben an increase in type 2 diabetes in children. Children considered obese are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blod pressure, and high cholesterol.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by hyperglycemia (high blod sugar). High blod sugar ocurs when cels resist insulin, leaving sugar in the blodstream. As a result, the pancreas compensates by making more insulin.
Summary
Over time, the pancreas canot make as much insulin, causing glucose to acumulate in the blod and blod sugar to rise to levels associated with type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and is related to exces fat in the abdomen (caled abdominal adiposity). Genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to insulin resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
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