Type 2 diabetes in children is a chronic disease that affects the way your child’s body processes sugar (glucose). Without treatment, the disorder causes sugar to build up in the blood, which can lead to serious long-term consequences. Type 2 diabetes occurs more commonly in adults.
What are the warning signs of childhood diabetes?
Symptoms
- Increased thirst.
- Frequent urination, possibly bed-wetting in a toilet-trained child.
- Extreme hunger.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Irritability or behavior changes.
- Fruity-smelling breath.
How long can a child with type 2 diabetes live?
A 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes could expect to live for another 13.2–21.1 years, while the general expectancy would be another 24.7 years. A 75-year-old male with the disease might expect to live for another 4.3–9.6 years, compared with the general expectancy of another 10 years.
When should a child be tested for type 2 diabetes?
The American Diabetes Association recommends that screening for type 2 diabetes begin at 10 years of age or the onset of puberty in children who are overweight and have two additional risk factors.
Can a 10 year old get type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes in children is most common in those aged 10 to 19 years. A child may have an increased risk for type 2 diabetes if: they have a sibling or other close relative with type 2 diabetes. they show symptoms of insulin resistance, including dark patches of skin usually found around the neck or underneath the armpits.
Can a 12 year old have type 2 diabetes?
Until recently, young children and teens almost never got type 2 diabetes, which is why it used to be called adult-onset diabetes. Now, about one-third of American youth are overweight, a problem closely related to the increase in kids with type 2 diabetes, some as young as 10 years old.
How long can a child have diabetes without knowing?
How long can a child have diabetes without knowing? In children under 2 years, the clinical presentation can be non-specific.
Can a child get diabetes from eating too much sugar?
In most cases, a child has to be exposed to something else — like a virus — to get type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes isn’t contagious, so kids and teens can’t catch it from another person or pass it along to friends or family members. And eating too much sugar doesn’t cause type 1 diabetes, either.
Can a child outgrow diabetes?
Fact: Kids do not outgrow diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin are destroyed. Once they’re destroyed, they will never make insulin again. Kids with type 1 diabetes will always need to take insulin (until a cure is found).
Who should be screened for diabetes type 2?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for abnormal blood glucose and type 2 diabetes in adults 40 to 70 years of age who are overweight or obese, and repeating testing every three years if results are normal. Individuals at higher risk should be considered for earlier and more frequent screening.
Can a child get type 2 diabetes from eating too much sugar?
While type 2 diabetes can be related to gaining too much weight, it’s not eating sugar alone that causes the condition. Any child who doesn’t get enough activity and eats too many unhealthy foods, sugary or not, may be at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, especially if they gain weight.
What should I do if I think my child has diabetes?
If you notice any of the symptoms of diabetes in your child, it’s important to get them a physical exam as soon as possible, so their doctor can begin treatment right away. The doctor will do a simple urine test to check for glucose (sugar) in the urine and a finger stick to measure preliminary blood glucose level.
How does type 2 diabetes affect children?
Type 2 diabetes can affect nearly every major organ in your child’s body, including the blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. The long-term complications of type 2 diabetes develop gradually over many years. Eventually, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening.
What is the life expectancy of someone with diabetes?
The range of estimated life expectancies is wide, depending on a person’s age, lifestyle factors, and treatments. At that time, for example: A 55-year-old male with type 2 diabetes could expect to live for another 13.2–21.1 years, while the general expectancy would be another 24.7 years.
Can child develop type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes in children may develop gradually. About 40 percent of children who have type 2 diabetes have no signs or symptoms and are diagnosed during routine physical exams. Other children might experience: Increased thirst and frequent urination.
