Learn About Type 1 & 2 Diabetes


Adult onset diabetes, which is one of the types of diabetes (Type 2 diabetes) isn’t isolated to grownups anymore. It affects children from all ethnic groups and is being reported in children as young as 10 years old. Nearly 151,000 people under the age of 20 have been diagnosed with diabetes, making it one of the most common chronic diseases among children and adolescents.

Over the last 20 years, more and more children are being diagnosed with diabetes type 2. Formerly known as adult onset diabetes because it was diagnosed in people age 40 and up, it is already becoming a serious problem among U.S. children and teens. Doctors believe the country’s obesity epidemic, lack of exercise, and exposure to diabetes while in the womb, are the largest contributors to this increase.

Diabetes in children can be difficult to diagnose because the child may experience mild symptoms or none at all. Blood tests are needed to make a proper diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes is striking children between the ages of 10 and 19 who are overweight, have insulin resistance, and have a strong family history of diabetes type 2. Most of these children have poor glycemic control.

It was previously assumed that when a child or teen was diagnosed with diabetes, they were suffering from type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, this idea can no longer be assumed. The effects of diabetes can be hard for adults to handle, imagine being diagnosed with the disease when you are a child. As our country continues to struggle with an obesity epidemic, it seems that parents must be more vigilant about making sure that all boys and girls get proper nutrition and regular exercise because adult onset diabetes isn’t just for grownups anymore.

Filed under: Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

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