A vicious circle is in operation and we have no idea of how devastating the outcome will be. In the past it was easy to diagnose a child with juvenile onset or type 1 diabetes. This child typically presented with weight loss, dehydration and thirst. Now there is a new picture; obesity has spread to younger children and there is a much higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes than ever before.

A recent report stated:

• one child in four, born in the year 2000 will end up being diagnosed with this condition
• nearly one child in ten with diabetes now has type 2
• twenty years ago this condition was unheard of in young children or adolescents
• we do not yet realize the damaging effects of childhood obesity
• this could mean the complications now seen in mature people, will be seen in young adults and lead to a lower-life expectancy

Add to that the difficulty these children will experience with their peers:

• obesity is a burden for a child, even without diabetes
• maintaining high self esteem can be very difficult for overweight children
• in adolescent years attractiveness equates with body shape and intelligence

The younger a person is at the time of diagnosis, the more likely they are to develop devastating complications during their lifetime. They could develop:

• blindness
• kidney failure
• a higher rate of heart disease than older adults with type 2

The cycle continues as babies born to young women with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of inheriting the same.

Just as in adults, this condition in young people takes several years to develop. Children:

• are usually overweight or obese
• have a strong family history of diabetes
• are likely to have acanthosis nigricans, a velvety darkening of the skin especially around the neck and under the arms. This is a due to insulin resistance
• girls are more likely to have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• if still studying, often lack the ability to concentrate so have poor grades
• suffer from fatigue
• often only have a mild increase in thirst and urination

How is this treated?

Once diagnosed by your health care provider, managing young people with type 2 diabetes is a family affair. A healthy eating plan and lifestyle changes the whole family can join in, is often suggested. The best news is these changes are great for everyone’s health.

The aim is to:

• normalize blood sugar levels
• reduce blood fats
• prevent the development of complications