Type 2 Diabetes: Rising Fast in Children and Adolescents!

Q) What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of impaired carbohydrate metabolism,
resulting in very high blood sugar levels that can damage organs such as kidneys,
nerves, liver, and affect growth in children.

When this occurs due to deficiency of insulin, it is called Type 1 Diabetes.
When it occurs due to insulin resistance, it is called Type 2 Diabetes,
which is commonly seen in adults.

Q) Is Type 2 Diabetes increasing in children and adolescents?

Yes. Globally, the number of children with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) continues to rise.
It is projected that the number of individuals under 20 years living with diabetes
will increase fourfold over the next 40 years.

India has the second highest number of affected children worldwide.
This is an alarmingly high number.

Q) Are some children at a higher risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes?

Yes, the following children are at a higher risk of developing T2DM:

• Overweight or obese children
• Family history of diabetes
• Unhealthy lifestyle and environmental factors (high sugar, high-calorie, processed foods, lack of physical activity)
• Female sex
• Exposure to maternal gestational diabetes
• Associated conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, severe obesity, acanthosis nigricans, and fatty liver disease

Q) Is Type 2 Diabetes in children different from adults?

Yes. In children with T2DM, the decline in β-cell function
(insulin-producing cells in the pancreas) occurs much faster.

Children develop diabetes-related complications much earlier and more rapidly than adults.

Q) Which children or adolescents should be screened for T2DM?

Screening for prediabetes or T2DM should begin at 10 years of age or at puberty,
whichever occurs first, in children who:

• Are overweight (BMI > 23) or obese (BMI > 27)
• Have at least one additional risk factor

Q) Can Type 2 Diabetes be prevented in children or adolescents?

Yes. Type 2 Diabetes can be prevented with lifestyle modification and healthy dietary practices.

• At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily
• Screen time limited to less than 2 hours per day and avoided during meals
• At least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily

You must consult your Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinologist
for a detailed plan to modify risk factors and prevent the progression of prediabetes.