Pediatric Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes produce insulin, but they either do not produce enough or the insulin is not effective in allowing glucose to get into the body's cells. As a result, glucose remains in the bloodstream. Too much sugar in the blood can make people ill and result in medical complications.

People with diabetes need to diligently manage their disease to remain healthy and reduce the risk of medical complications. While many cases of type 2 diabetes may be controlled, it remains the leading cause of diabetes-related complications, such as blindness, lower leg amputations, and chronic kidney failure.

Obesity in Children

Obesity is a major contributing factor to type 2 diabetes. Until recently, type 2 diabetes was only seen in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of children in the United States who are obese has tripled since 1980. Today, approximately 17% of children and adolescents are obese.

Currently, 1 in 10 Americans has type 2 diabetes, but the rate could surge to as high as 1 in 3 Americans by 2050 if present trends continue. Although people with diabetes are living longer, more people and children are getting diabetes because of the growing obesity epidemic.

A sedentary lifestyle can promote type 2 diabetes. To slow the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes in children, it is recommended that they exercise for 60 minutes every day. Those with a family history of type 2 diabetes are also at increased risk, as are African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders.

For Management of Type 2 Diabetes, Call Endocrine Kids in Novi, MI

If your child is overweight or obese and you think they might be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, contact Endocrine Kids to learn more about our weight management pathway. Call our office in Novi, Michigan, at (248) 347-3344 for an appointment, or you can use our secure online appointment request form.