Type 2 Diabetes

A Guide To Type 2 Diabetes In Children

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects the way in which a person's body metabolizes sugar. Although it is generally associated with adults, it's prevalence among children seems to be on the rise, especially due to increase in obesity among them that makes them susceptible to this disease. But with a healthy lifestyle and proper medication, you can help your child manage or prevent this ailment.

What Are The Symptoms?

It is possible that some children with this type of diabetes may not show any signs or symptoms. This is because of the gradual development of this kind of diabetes among children. Common symptoms among those who develop Type 2 diabetes are as follows:

Frequent urination. This happens as the kidneys respond to high levels of glucose in the blood by flushing out the excess glucose through urine. A child with this disease needs to urinate more frequently and in larger quantities.

 Increase in thirst and hunger. Frequent urination and excess sugar levels in the blood lead to depletion of fluids from tissues. The child needs to drink more to maintain normal levels of water in the body. Also since sufficient level of insulin is not available to move sugar into the body cells, a child's muscles and organs may require more energy resulting in increased hunger.

  • Weight Loss
  • Fatigue. This is due to the inability of the body to use glucose for energy.
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent Infections which may take longer than usual  to heal.
  • Patches of dark, velvety skin around the neck and armpits.

Causes Of Type 2 Diabetes

This type of diabetes develops in children either when their body becomes insulin resistant or when the pancreas stops producing sufficient amount of insulin. The exact cause of this illness is not known. But excess weight and lack of physical activity play an important role in its development.

The Common Risk Factors That Increase The Possibility Of A Child Developing This Form Of Diabetes Are:

  • Obesity. Increased fatty tissues may cause body cells to become more resistant to insulin.
  • Lack of Physical Activity makes it further difficult for the body to respond to insulin. Lower the child's physical activity, greater is the possibility of the child developing Type 2 form of diabetes.
  • Genetic - Children having at least one parent with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this type of illness. But the role of genetics in developing this type of diabetes is not very clear as yet.
  • Gender and Ethnicity. Children from certain races such as those of Native American origin, African Americans and of Asian descent are more likely to develop type 2 diabetic condition.

Children with Type 2 diabetes can use proper diet, physical activity and medicines to improve their body's response to insulin and control their blood sugar level.