What is diabetes type 2 in children and teens?

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which a person has too much sugar (glucose) in their blood. Experts believe the disease develops in children the same way it does in adults. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body's cells use sugar for energy. Without insulin, the sugar can't get into the cells to do its work. It stays in the blood instead. This can cause high blood sugar levels.

Over time, high blood sugar can damage a child's eyes, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys. High blood sugar also makes a child more likely to get serious illnesses or infections.

In the past, doctors believed that type 2 diabetes was an adult disease and that type 1 diabetes was a children's disease. Now, more and more children are getting type 2 diabetes.

Most children with type 2 diabetes don't have symptoms when the disease is first found. That's because their blood sugar level has been rising so slowly. As a result, a child may have diabetes for several months or years before being diagnosed.

If a child has symptoms, they usually are mild. The most common ones are:

• Having to urinate more often. The child may start wetting the bed at night.
• Feeling a little more thirsty than normal.
• Losing a little weight for no clear reason.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Increased tiredness.
• Nausea.
• Blurred vision.
• Frequent infections and slow-healing wounds or sores.

A simple blood test is usually all that is needed to diagnose diabetes. A doctor may do a blood sugar (glucose) test if your child has any risk factors for diabetes, such as being overweight or getting little or no exercise. The doctor may repeat the test to confirm the diagnosis.

The doctor may do other blood tests if it's not clear whether your child has type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes in children focuses on keeping blood sugar levels within a target range. Treatment includes:

Healthy eating.

Children who have diabetes need healthy meals that provide the right amount of calories and carbohydrates.

Physical activity.

Being active helps the body use insulin correctly and helps control weight. Children need at least 1 hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day.

Weight management.

A child who is overweight may need to lose weight (or stay at the same weight). This depends on age, development, and other risk factors.

Home blood sugar monitoring.

Your child's blood sugar level may need to be checked regularly.

Medicines.

Your child may take medicine to lower blood sugar. Some children need daily insulin. Some may also need medicine for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

• Work with your doctor and your family to create a plan. Your plan will help you take responsibility for your:
  • Testing. Check and write down your blood sugar as much as your doctor tells you to. It's important to also write down any symptoms you have and any changes in your activities, diet, or insulin use. This information will help your doctor know how you are doing. Then your doctor can adjust your treatment if needed.
  • Diet. Eat healthy foods. These include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Fluids. Drink plenty of unsweetened fluids, like water. Staying hydrated can help prevent high blood sugar.
  • Exercise. Get plenty of exercise every day. Go for a walk or jog, ride your bike, or play sports with friends.
  • Drinking. Teens may use alcohol for many reasons, but alcohol may cause low blood sugar and can mask symptoms of low blood sugar.
  • Smoking. Don't smoke. Smoking affects your blood vessels. It can also lead to diabetes problems earlier in life.
• Work with your doctor to write up a sick-day plan for what to do on days when you are sick. Your blood sugar can go up or down, depending on your illness and whether you can keep food down. Call your doctor when you are sick, to see if you need to adjust your pills or insulin.
• Talk to your doctor, your parents, your friends, or a counselor if you feel afraid, sad, angry, or even guilty about having diabetes.
• Find out the rules at your school about carrying your own medicines and blood sugar meter. Many schools require you to get special permission or to keep your supplies at the school.