International Diabetes Center > Disease Information > Type 2 Diabetes > Children with type 2 diabetes

Children with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes in children is rapidly becoming an epidemic. Children who are inactive, overweight and have a relative with diabetes are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

African-American, Hispanic, Asian or American Indian descent also increases risk. Children who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes usually are older than age 10, and in middle to late puberty.

About 74 percent to 100 percent of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have an immediate family member, grandparent, aunt or uncle with type 2 diabetes. However, these relatives might not know they have diabetes until the child is diagnosed.

Lifestyle changes, such as increasing activity and cutting back on high-calorie, high-fat foods, can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. These changes also have many other benefits, such as decreasing risk for heart problems and helping the child feel better overall.

Treatments for children with type 2 diabetes may vary. Sometimes a food plan and activity is enough. Other times, oral medication or insulin injections are necessary. Metformin, an oral medication, sometimes is given to children age 10 and older when a food plan and activity do not bring blood glucose levels into target range.

To make an appointment for your child with International Diabetes Center, call 952-993-3393 or toll-free at 888-825-6315.