Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes occurs when a child’s body can’t make enough insulin or use the insulin well (insulin resistance). Insulin helps the body use sugar (glucose) for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood. This leads to high blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is an ongoing (chronic) disease. It has no known cure. 

The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not known. 

Children may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes if they have any of these:

• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes 
• Have signs of insulin resistance 
• Have certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 
• Have been identified with prediabetes 
• Are going through puberty, when insulin resistance naturally increases
• Have a higher weight

Symptoms may include:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Feeling very hungry even though your child is eating
• Peeing often
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling very weak and tired
• Irritability and mood changes
• Dry, itchy skin
• Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet

Some children may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. 

Diabetes can be diagnosed with several tests. The tests include:

• Hemoglobin A1C test. The A1C test measures your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months. An A1C of 6.5% or higher means you have diabetes. 
• Fasting plasma glucose. This test checks your blood glucose levels after 8 hours of fasting. You usually get this test before your first meal of the day. 
• Oral glucose tolerance test. For this test, your glucose level is measured before and then after 2 hours after you drink a sugary drink. This shows how well your body processes glucose. 
• Random glucose test. This blood test is done at any time of the day

The goal of treatment is to help your child maintain healthy blood sugar levels while supporting growth and overall well-being.

• Building sustainable nutrition habits with support from a care team
• Encouraging regular physical activity that fits your child’s routine and interests
• Managing a healthy weight
• Monitoring blood sugar levels over time
• Medications or insulin when needed

When blood sugar levels are not well managed over time, diabetes can affect different parts of the body, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart. Regular follow-up care helps reduce these risks.