Type II diabetes used to be called "adult onset diabetes," but that name is no longer accurate. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) reports many more children and adolescents are now diagnosed with the disease. The reason--increased rates of obesity and inactivity in children and adolescents.
Type II Diabetes Risk Factors in Children
Here are some type II diabetes risk factors, according to the NDEP:
- Being overweight
- Having a family member who has diabetes
- Having insulin resistance
- Having gone through puberty
The Controllable Risk Factor: Obesity
Three of these four risk factors for diabetes in children are not controllable. Although genetics contribute to weight, lifestyle changes can affect this controllable risk factor.
The Problem in the United States
As we discuss obesity in children, remember your family is not alone. Childhood obesity is currently an American epidemic. The American Heart Association reports the percentages of children ages 2 to 19 that are overweight or obese are staggeringly high:
- Non-hispanic whites: 31.9 percent of boys and 29.5 percent of girls
- Non-hispanic blacks: 30.8 percent of boys and 39.2 percent of girls
- Mexican Americans: 40.89 percent of boys and 35.0 percent of girls
Signs and Symptoms
Although you can be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of type II diabetes in girls and boys, remember only blood tests can firmly diagnose this disease. Some children may not have any symptoms. So, type II diabetes can remain undiagnosed for long periods of time in children and adolescents.
Here are some signs and symptoms of type II diabetes in children and adolescents:
- Fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Feeling nauseated with no obvious cause
- Blurred vision
- Slow wound healing
- Frequent infections
Symptoms of insulin resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body needs more and more insulin to allow glucose (sugar) to get into cells. This condition has unique signs and symptoms. Watch out for:
- Acanthosis nigricans: unusual darkening and thickening of the skin of the armpits or neck; skin may feel "velvety."
- High blood pressure
- Dyslipidemia: abnormal changes in the level of lipids in the blood
Management
It's important to develop a plan for managing your child's type II diabetes.
- Exercise and eating healthy can improve and even reverse type II diabetes.
- Written health plan: The American Diabetes Association advocates creating a written plan in coordination with parents, children, health care providers, and school staff. A school nurse can draw up an "Individualized Health Plan (IHP)" using information and guidance from the child's doctor; this plan specifically describes how to manage diabetes while your child is in school.
