Reason for increase in number of children with type 2 diabetes
A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is becoming much more common among children.
- Until recently, only 1% to 2% of children with diabetes had type 2. Recent reports indicate that from 8% to 45% of all children with newly diagnosed diabetes have a form other than type 1. The majority of these children have type 2.1
- Several studies in the United States and from around the world have shown an increase in the number of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The most likely explanation is the increase in the number of children who are overweight. Being overweight is the primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes in children. About 85% of children with type 2 diabetes are obese, and obesity in children is rising.2 As a result, diseases affecting obese and overweight people are showing up in younger people, mainly type 2 diabetes.
Too little physical activity and too much high-calorie food cause a child to become overweight, increasing his or her risk of developing type 2 diabetes early in life.
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: August 25, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Stephen LaFranchi, MD - Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology | |
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