A decade ago, it was a rare occurrence for a child to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, it’s not so rare anymore. Researchers are trying to find the causes of diabetes in children with a sense of urgency as the number of people under the age of 20 diagnosed with type 2 diabetes continues to rise exponentially. Conventional wisdom used to be that if someone under age 20 had diabetes, it was type 1, or juvenile-onset diabetes. But the CDC now reports the number of people under age 20 with diabetes is approaching 200,000, and the causes of diabetes in children is taking on new importance.

 

What are the Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Children?

 

Although the exact causes of diabetes in children aren’t completely understood, some of the risk factors for children developing type 2 diabetes are the same as they are for adults. It is thought that, just as is the case for adults, one of the biggest causes of diabetes in children is being overweight. Today in the U.S., about 20% of children is overweight. This is much higher than it was in past decades. The proliferation of fast food and processed foods is probably contributing to that. But some other risk factors that could be the causes of diabetes in children include:

  • A family history of diabetes
  • Female gender – female children seem to have a higher rate of type 2 diabetes
  • Specific ethnic groups are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. These ethnic groups are American Indian, African-American, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino
  • Other problems with insulin resistance – most people with type 2 diabetes in childhood are diagnosed when they are entering puberty, a developmental stage where there’s normally increased resistance
  • Rarely, a hormone problem or other medical condition
  • Lack of physical activity or exercise

 

As a parent, it’s your obligation to monitor your child’s eating behavior. Since being overweight is considered to be at the top of the causes of diabetes in children, this is something that a parent needs to take responsibility for. Our governments can pass all the legislation they want to try to control what is being served in children’s meals at restaurants or at lunch for lunch, but it is ultimately the parent that has the responsibility and authority to teach their children good eating habits and make sure they stick to a nutritionally sound diet.

 

Consequences of Type 2 Diabetes in Children

 

Although the symptoms may appear insignificant at first, the long-term consequences associated with type 2 diabetes in children can be severe. They include:

  • Kidney failure
  • Heart disease
  • Blindness
  • Nerve damage
  • Blood circulation problems
  • Shorter lifespan due to diabetes complications