Type 2 diabetes, once a disease of the elderly, now strikes adults in their prime...
and increasingly children.
There was a time it was easy to diagnose children, typically the diagnosis was Type 1 diabetes.
Children generally presented with symptoms of dehydration, thirst, tiredness, and drastic weight loss.
Today, however, more and more children are obese.
More and more children are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and even before there are any symptoms, the damage has begun.
Current Reports on Children and Type 2 Diabetes Indicates?

• one in four children who were born in 2000 will be diagnosed with what was once an adult form of diabetes
• currently approximately one in 10 children has this condition
• 20 years ago, this form of diabetes was not typical in children
• the long-term implications for childhood obesity are unknown
• unfortunately, all the complications which occur in adult Type 2 diabetes may also occur in younger adults and lead to a shorter life expectancy

Do Children with Type 2 Diabetes Have Problems with Their Peers?

• being overweight is a problem even without the mixture of diabetes
• having a high self-esteem is difficult in children with weight problems
• often attractiveness in teenage years equates to both body shape and intelligence.
  

Complications: The complications which occur in adult Type 2 Diabetics may also occur in young people:

• eye problems due to diabetes are extremely rare...
  although the American Diabetes Association recommends screening at 10 years old and every year after that
• nephropathy or kidney disease can occur; so its best to make sure the urine is checked often for any signs of leaks of protein
• sometime medications are needed to control both their blood pressure and protect their kidneys
• although you may think children or young adults are not old enough to have problems with blood fats, insulin resistance (the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes), increases the risk of heart disease.
  It's important to keep these under control

Eventually, young people will think about having children and be concerned with the chances of their children having diabetes.
Babies who are born to Type 2 diabetic mothers are at an increased risk for developing it themselves.
However, it will take years for the condition to show itself.
Children are affected similar to adults:

• are typically overweight or obese
• have a family history of diabetes
• develop acanthosis nigricans, which is skin darkening especially around the neck and underarms.
  This may fade when the child loses weight and gets control of their blood sugar levels
• girls may have polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS
• have difficulty in concentrating...
  this will show up with poor grades
• feel fatigued for no specific reason
• urinate frequently followed by thirst...
  although not as marked as in adults

Treatment to Lower Blood Sugar Levels and Weight: Usually the entire family will need to get involved as treatment involves a change in the eating style:

• more than one family member often has similar conditions, more than one will be overweight
• family involvement helps the young person to not feel different and raises their self-esteem

The plan is to reduce weight, decrease the amount of blood fats (cholesterol levels), lower blood sugar levels, and prevent diabetic complications.