Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in adults. Until a few years ago, type 2 diabetes was rare in children; it is becoming more common, especially for overweight teens. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three American children born after 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime.
Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body is able to use carbohydrates for energy.
- The body turns the carbohydrates in food into glucose; the basic fuel for the body's cells.
- The pancreas makes insulin which is a hormone that acts as a key to move glucose from the blood to the cells to generate energy.
- In type 2 diabetes, the body's cells resist the effects of insulin, and blood glucose levels rise.
- Over time, glucose not transferred to the cells by insulin reaches dangerously high levels in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia.
- Long term effects of hyperglycemia can lead to a multitude of serious health problems including: heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure.
Risk Factors Associated with Type 2 Diabetes
It is recommended that students displaying or possibly experiencing the risk factors and warning signs associated with type 2 diabetes be screened (tested) for the disease.
Risk Factors
The following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children:
- Being overweight. The single greatest risk factor for type 2 diabetes in children is excess weight. In the U.S., almost one out of every five children is overweight. The chances are more than double that an overweight child will develop type 2 diabetes.
- Family history of diabetes. Many affected children and youth have at least one parent with type 2 diabetes or have a significant family history of the disease.
- Inactivity. Being inactive further reduces the body's ability to respond to insulin.
- Specific racial/ethnic groups. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, or Asian/Pacific Islanders are more prone than other ethnic groups to develop type 2 diabetes.
- Puberty. Young people in puberty, because of normal rises in hormone levels that can cause insulin resistance during this stage of rapid growth and physical development.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Warning signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children develop slowly; initially, there may be no symptoms. However, not everyone with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes develops these warning signs, and not everyone who has these symptoms necessarily has type 2 diabetes.
- Increased hunger, even after eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased thirst, dry mouth, and frequent urination
- Feeling very tired
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of sores or cuts
- Dark velvety or ridged patches of skin, especially on the back of the neck or under the arms
- Irregular periods, no periods, and/or excess facial and body hair growth in girls
- High blood pressure or abnormal blood fats levels
Prevention Methods and Treatments
The first step in treating type 2 diabetes is to visit a doctor. A doctor can determine if a child is overweight based on the child's age, weight, and height, and a doctor can request tests of a child's blood glucose to see if the child has diabetes or pre-diabetes (a condition which may lead to type 2 diabetes).
Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. Even with a family history of diabetes, eating healthy foods in the correct amounts and exercising regularly can help children achieve or maintain a normal weight and normal blood glucose levels.
- Eat healthy foods. Make wise food choices. Eat foods low in fat and calories.
- Get more physical activity. Increase physical activity to at least 60 minutes every day.
- Take medication. If diet and exercise are not enough to control the disease, it may be necessary to treat type 2 diabetes with medication.
References
Type 2 diabetes in children - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Type 2 Diabetes | CDC
Type 2 Diabetes - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | ADA
The information provided on this webpage is intended to raise awareness about type 2 diabetes. Contact your child's primary care provider, the MHUSD Special Education Department, your school nurse, or school administrator if you have any questions.