Type 2 Diabetes in Kids & Teens

What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as Adult Onset Diabetes because it almost always affected overweight adults. This is no longer the case. We are seeing more and more type 2 diabetes in children. Experts believe that this condition develops in children the same way it does in adults. Either the body does not produce enough insulin or it cannot use the insulin which is available. This leads to excess glucose in the blood.

Who Gets Type 2 Diabetes?
Most children and adults who develop type 2 diabetes are overweight. There also seems to be a genetic component to developing type 2 diabetes. It’s estimated that 45% to 80% of children with type 2 have at least one parent with diabetes. Native Americans, African Americans, and people with Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific Island descent appear to be more prone to developing this type of diabetes.

Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Once a child or teen has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes it is essential they make lifestyle changes. They need to eat a healthy diet and try to achieve a normal body weight while getting the proper nutrients to grow and develop. The goal of a normal body weight can also be promoted with regular physical activity. This also increases the body’s response to insulin. They will need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and work closely with their health care team to achieve the best possible control of their diabetes.

Special Issues for children and teens
Young children may be scared, angry and uncooperative. They may not understand why blood testing and medications are necessary. Teens may feel different from their peers. They may be frustrated because they cannot live the spontaneous lifestyle their friends are leading. Also because of the natural adolescent body changes during puberty, diabetes can be quite difficult to control.

We cannot control all the factors which may be causing type 2 diabetes, but we can change our lifestyle. Let’s teach our children to have healthy eating habits and enjoy an active lifestyle before diabetes strikes.

By Lee Ann Bryant, RN
Child Care Nurse Consultant
Eastern Illinois University, SDA 11