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Diabetes is a challenging disorder to diagnose, which never heard earlier in children and teens but according to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), type 2 diabetes is a growing problem among pediatric patients. The study says, 1 in 5 US adolescents is now prediabetic.  Diabetes at this age is very different than occurs in adults and seems to be more progressive. 

As per US CDC, type 2 diabetes was mostly found in Black, Latinx, Asian, Native American, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander children and are at high risk of it. 

According to recent research, cases of type 2 diabetes and its severity among children are doubled during the coronavirus pandemic at one Louisiana hospital

The data from “Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital” suggests, from March to December 2019, the rate was .27% and 8 cases out of 2,964 required hospitalizations, and in 2020, the rate jumped to .62% and17 cases out of 2,729 required hospitalizations. Experts say that the data presented is very small and needs to be further investigated across the country. 

Type 2 Diabetes in Children

Type 2 diabetes in children is a chronic disease that affects the sugar (glucose) level in the child's body. If left untreated, the disorder causes sugar to build up in the blood, which can lead to serious long-term consequences.

It occurs more commonly in adults and also known as adult-onset diabetes. But type 2 diabetes in children has been increased and associated with poor diet, obesity, and a lack of exercise.

Symptoms

Type 2 diabetes in children may develop slowly, so no noticeable symptoms are seen initially and can be diagnosed during a routine check-up or if any other symptoms appear. Some of the symptom your children might experience includes:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination.
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Darkened areas of skin
• Unexplained and sudden weight loss
• Stomach Cramp

Complications in Children

Type 2 diabetes can mostly affect major organs in the child's body, including the kidney, eyes, blood vessels, and nerves. As it develops gradually over many years, the complications may be disabling or even life-threatening.

Some of the complications of type 2 diabetes include:

• Stroke
• Amputation
• Blindness
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Kidney disease
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Keeping your child's blood sugar level close to normal can dramatically reduce the risk of these complications.

Risk Factors: According to CDC, children are at higher risk in case of 

• Having a family member with type 2 diabetes, being born to 
• A mother with diabetes while pregnant, 
• Having conditions related to insulin resistance can place children at increased risk. 
• Children who are overweight and involved in less physical activity
• C-(Caesarean) section babies may be at higher risk of obesity and diabetes

Children who are having a combination of such risk factors should check with their doctor and get their blood sugar tested. 

Prevention

Many healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent type 2 diabetes in children and can reduce the need for medications and the risk of complications. According to recent research, adding fruits, veggies, and grains to diet can reduce type 2 diabetes risk by 25%.  Encourage your child for:

• Timely Medication: Parents should encourage their children about medicines and their importance, that how it is helpful in reducing the symptoms.
• Eating Healthier: foods low in calories and fat are good to eat like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 
• Exercise and physical activity. Encourage your child to get involved more in physical activity like sports or dance lessons etc. and stay physically active. 

The same lifestyle choices that can help prevent type 2 diabetes in children can also be helpful and do the same for adults. 

Summary

Diabetes cases are growing in both children and adults across the US. Adults can manage their symptoms but it is important not to overlook it in the case of children, as it may lead to many serious consequences. It is important to motivate a child to follow a healthy lifestyle to improve quality of life and reduce long term medications