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.

• Follow your child's treatment plan. Your child needs to:
  • Follow their meal plan to know how much carbohydrate to eat at each meal and snack. Carbohydrate is the body's main source of fuel. It affects blood sugar more than any other nutrient. Carbohydrate is in fruits, vegetables, milk, and yogurt. It also is in breads, cereals, and sugary foods such as candy and cakes.
  • Get at least 60 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Encourage your child to be active each day. Your child may like to take a walk with you, ride a bike, or play sports.
  • Take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
  • Check and write down blood sugar levels as often as your doctor tells you to. If your child is too young to do this, you will need to do it.
• Follow instructions to treat high blood sugar. The symptoms of high blood sugar include:
  • A dry mouth and increased thirst.
  • Blurry vision.
• Follow instructions to treat low blood sugar. The symptoms of low blood sugar include:
  • Sweating.
  • Shakiness and weakness.
  • Dizziness.
  • A fast heartbeat.
  • Confusion.
• Learn what to do when your child is sick.
• Join a support group for parents of children with diabetes. Most areas have local groups.
• Have your child wear medical alert jewelry that lists diabetes and their allergies. You can buy the jewelry at most drugstores.