Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents

Abstract

The emergence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents parallels the rising rates of childhood obesity. As a condition of impaired insulin sensitivity and relative insulin deficiency resulting in hyperglycemia, T2D has a complex underlying physiology that is reflected by the multiple approaches used to optimize medical care and prevent the myriad of diabetes-related complications. T2D diagnosed in children and adolescents represents a distinct and challenging condition to evaluate and treat. Here, we highlight the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation and diagnosis, treatment and public health impact of T2D in children and adolescents.

Keywords::

• β-cell function
• insulin resistance
• obesity
• pediatrics
• Type 2 diabetes

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.