Type 2 diabetes in children: a growing epidemic

Abstract

Purpose of review Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been increasing in children in the past decades as rates of obesity escalate and lifestyles change worldwide. As T2DM in children is a relatively recently described phenomenon, limited data exist to guide clinical care. Therefore, treatment recommendations have been based on expert opinion and extrapolation of adult data. However, research in children continues to accumulate. Given the increasing diagnosis of T2DM in children, concern exists regarding the longer time period of disease and potential earlier onset of diabetes-related comorbidities. Recent findings Recent studies have investigated a number of factors related to T2DM in children. The current review summarizes the work published in the past year in T2DM in children with emphasis on the following areas: birthweight and growth, epidemiology, insulin sensitivity/resistance, complications, treatment, and review articles/expert opinions. Summary The research published in the past year has improved our understanding of the prevalence, complications, and treatment of T2DM in children. Specific research into the relationships of birthweight and growth to development of T2DM as well as reports on insulin resistance/sensitivity has improved our pathophysiologic understanding of this disorder. This information could improve clinicians’ ability to provide appropriate care for and to prevent diabetes-related complications in children with T2DM while the ultimate goal is prevention of T2DM and its common antecedent, obesity.