Endocrine and Immune System Conditions

Type 2 Diabetes: What Is It?

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The diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in U.S. kids and teens, especially in those who are overweight. Some studies report that between 8% and 45% of children who've been newly diagnosed with diabetes have the form known as type 2.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that needs close attention, but with some practical knowledge, you can become your child's most important partner in learning to live with the disease.

About Diabetes


Our bodies break down the foods we eat into glucose and other nutrients needed to fuel body functions, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract. The glucose level in the blood rises after a meal and triggers the pancreas to make the hormone insulin and release it into the bloodstream. But in people with diabetes, the body either can't make or can't respond to insulin properly.


About Type 2 Diabetes


Type 1 diabetes (formerly called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes) happens when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. Kids with type 1 diabetes need insulin to help keep their blood sugar levels within a normal range.




Who Gets Type 2 Diabetes?




Signs and Symptoms


But kids or teens who develop type 2 diabetes may:

  • Urinate frequently. The kidneys respond to high levels of glucose in the blood by flushing out the extra glucose in urine (pee). Kids with high blood sugar levels need to urinate more frequently and in larger volumes.
  • Drink a lot of liquids. Because they're peeing so often and losing so much fluid, they can become very thirsty and drink a lot in an attempt to keep the levels of body water normal.
  • Feel tired often. This is because the body can't use glucose for energy properly.

Complications of Diabetes

Sometimes, kids and teens with type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, or obesity might develop thick, dark, velvet-like skin around the neck, armpits, groin, between fingers and toes, or on elbows and knees — a cosmetic skin condition called acanthosis nigricans.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in girls is also often associated with insulin resistance. PCOS is a hormone problem that can cause the ovaries to become enlarged and develop cysts (fluid-filled sacs). Girls with PCOS often have irregular periods, might stop having periods altogether, and may develop excess facial and body hair growth. PCOS also can cause fertility problems.


Diabetes also can cause long-term complications, including heart disease, stroke, eye problems, kidney disease, nerve damage, and gum disease. While these problems don't usually show up in kids or teens who've had type 2 diabetes for only a few years, they can affect them in adulthood, particularly in those whose diabetes hasn't been well controlled.

Doctors can determine if a person has diabetes by testing blood samples for glucose. Even if a child or teen doesn't have any symptoms of type 2 diabetes, doctors might do blood tests to check for it in kids who are more likely to get it — like those who are overweight.

If you think your child has symptoms of diabetes, talk to your doctor, who may refer you to a pediatric endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the endocrine system (such as diabetes and growth disorders) in kids.

Living With Type 2 Diabetes

Kids or teens with type 2 diabetes may need to:

  • Get to and maintain a normal body weight.
  • Monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
  • Work closely with their doctors and diabetes health care team to get the best possible diabetes control.
  • Be monitored for signs of complications and other health problems that can affect people with type 2 diabetes.

Living with diabetes is a challenge for anyone, but kids and teens often have special issues to deal with. Young kids might not understand why blood testing and medicines are necessary. They might be scared, angry, and uncooperative.

Teens may feel different from their peers and want a more spontaneous lifestyle than their diabetes allows. Even when they faithfully follow their treatment schedule, they might feel frustrated if the natural body changes of puberty make their diabetes somewhat harder to control.


What's New in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes?

Doctors and researchers are developing new equipment and treatments to help kids deal with the special problems of growing up with diabetes.



Until scientists have perfected ways to better treat and possibly even prevent or cure diabetes, parents can help their kids lead happier, healthier lives by giving constant encouragement, learning all they can about the disease, and making sure their kids eat properly, exercise, and stay on top of glucose levels every day. This will help their kids do all the things that other kids do, while helping them grow up to be healthy, well-adjusted, productive adults.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: June 2015

Kids Health

