Q: Can children get Type 2 diabetes?
A: Type 2 diabetes was once referred to as adult-onset diabetes, and it's typically associated with poor lifestyle choices made over many years. Recently, however, more and more children are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
In Type 1 diabetes, the body can no longer produce insulin due to one's own antibodies attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. With Type 2 diabetes, your body still makes insulin, but it isn't effective. Type 2 diabetes can generally be prevented.
Type 2 diabetes is closely related to obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and poor nutritional choices. In fact, of the thousands of American children and teens who have Type 2 diabetes, more than 80% are overweight with 40% even being considered obese. More than one-third of American children are considered overweight, which leaves them at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.
The overuse of electronic devices, drinking sugar sweetened beverages, easy access to fast and processed foods and lack of exercise are contributing factors to the increase in children and teens developing what was once considered an adult disease. Parents can combat some of the factors by limiting screen time, avoiding sweetened drinks, encouraging at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, providing healthy meals and snacks, and making sure your child gets adequate sleep.
- Rita Shridharani, M.D., Children's Hospital at Erlanger; Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society member