Topic Overview
This topic provides information about type 2 diabetes in children. If you are looking for information about type 1 diabetes, see the topic:

Type 1 Diabetes: Children Living With the Disease.

What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong (chronic) disease that develops when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or the body is unable to use it. In many people, the body first becomes resistant to insulin and then eventually loses the ability to produce it.

Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar (glucose) to enter cells, where it is used for energy. It also helps the body store extra sugar in muscle, fat, and liver cells. The stored sugar can be released later and used for energy when needed. When the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use it properly, the blood sugar level rises above what is healthy. Very high blood sugar levels can lead to loss of consciousness (coma) and death.

Uncontrolled diabetes over time can lead to complications, such as damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

In the past, type 2 diabetes was considered an adult disease. Type 1 diabetes was associated with children. However, the number of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is increasing. In some areas, up to 45% of the children diagnosed with diabetes have type 2.

The major factors that increase a child's risk for developing type 2 diabetes are being overweight, not physically active, and having a family history of the disease.

What causes it?
The cause is not known, but experts believe a family history of diabetes, being overweight, and lack of exercise contribute to the disease. Other risk factors include:

Being female.
Being an African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American, or Pacific Islander.

Having a mother who had diabetes that developed during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

During the early teen years, when children are growing rapidly, hormone changes reduce the body's ability to use insulin. The pancreas produces more insulin to try to overcome the resistance. When the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs, blood sugar levels rise above a healthy range, and diabetes develops.

What are the symptoms?
Most children with type 2 diabetes do not have symptoms when the disease is diagnosed. Diabetes is usually discovered when the child sees a health professional for another reason. If symptoms are present, they are usually mild梥light increases in frequency of urination and in thirst and a slight weight loss.

Some children have very high blood sugar levels when the disease is discovered. A child with very high blood sugar can become confused, sleepy, or unconscious, and will need to be taken to the emergency room and hospitalized.

How is it diagnosed?
A simple blood test is usually all that is needed to diagnose diabetes. If it is unclear whether your child has type 1 or type 2, other blood tests may be done.

Most children are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when they have a blood or urine test for some other reason. A health professional also may test your child for diabetes if he or she is overweight, gets little physical activity, or has other risk factors for the disease. In addition, your child may be tested if he or she has certain medical problems that also can occur in people with diabetes, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, irregular menstrual periods or polycystic ovary syndrome, a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans, or persistent infections.

How is it treated?
Treatment for type 2 diabetes focuses on diet and exercise and also may include medications. The goal is to keep blood sugar at a target level so your child will feel better and have more energy. Good blood sugar control can prevent or delay damage to the eyes, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves. Work closely with your child's health professionals to develop a treatment plan that fits your child's needs.

A healthy diet of protein, carbohydrate, and fat can help your child maintain target blood sugar levels. A registered dietitian can help you design a meal plan that spreads calories, especially from carbohydrate (starches and sugary foods), throughout the day. This helps prevent high blood sugar after meals.

Physical activity is the other key to healthy blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps the body use insulin more effectively and helps control weight. Your child does not have to start a rigorous exercise program but does need to be more active. He or she should try to get at least 30 minutes per day of exercise, which can include brisk walking, swimming, riding a bicycle, or playing individual or team sports.

Your child also may need to take medications by mouth to help the body produce more insulin or use it properly. Sometimes children with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin shots for a brief time, such as when diabetes is first diagnosed or if they have surgery or certain illnesses. However, your child may eventually have to take insulin shots every day because the pancreas may stop producing or produces too little insulin.

Your child will be most successful in following a treatment plan if other members of the family adopt the same healthful lifestyle habits. Family members who eat a healthy diet and get regular physical activity also will decrease their risk for developing the disease.

Can it be prevented?
Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity. All children need to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. They should eat a healthy diet and avoid too many sweets and too much fatty food.

You may be able to help prevent diabetes in your child during infancy; some evidence shows breast-feeding lowers a child's risk of developing the disease.