Until recently, the usual type of diabetes in children and teens was type 1, once called juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make insulin, the hormone that helps glucose (sugar) get into the body's cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much sugar stays in the blood.
Now young people are also getting type 2 diabetes, once called adult-onset diabetes, which is becoming more common in children and teens because of rising obesity. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not make or use insulin well.
Who is at higher risk of type 2
Children are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if they:
- are overweight or have obesity
- have a family history of diabetes
- are not physically active
- are African American, Hispanic, Native American or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander
Lowering the risk
- Help them keep a healthy weight.
- Make sure they are physically active.
- Serve smaller portions of healthy foods.
- Limit time with TV, computers and video games.
Managing diabetes
Children and teens with type 1 diabetes may need to take insulin. Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with diet and exercise; if not, medicines taken by mouth or insulin are needed. A blood test called the A1C shows how well diabetes is being managed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), "Diabetes in Children and Teens." https://medlineplus.gov/diabetesinchildrenandteens.html
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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