Type 2 diabetes mellitus: incidence, management and prognosis

Abstract

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus in childhood emerged in the UK in about 2000, and now affects about 500 children or 2% of all childhood diabetes in the UK. It is an aggressive disease in children, with rapidly progressive pancreatic beta cell decline and early development of complications. It characteristically presents in an obese child, around the time of puberty, with osmotic symptoms or as a coincidental finding. A small proportion may present with metabolic decompensation and diabetic ketoacidosis. Acanthosis nigricans is a common feature. There is a significant female preponderance, with children from ethnic minorities disproportionately represented, and usually a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus in first degree relatives. In contrast to type 1 diabetes, children with type 2 may develop complications within 1–2 years of diagnosis. The differential diagnosis includes type 1 diabetes, usually distinguished by the presence of GAD65 autoantibodies; diabetes secondary to monogenic causes, transplant and immunosuppression. Management includes confirming the diagnosis of diabetes according to World Health Organisation criteria; screening for both microvascular complications and complications of metabolic syndrome; and initiating lifestyle, dietary and exercise advice to decrease calorie intake and increase energy expenditure. Children with osmotic symptoms or HbA1c greater than 69 mmol/mol (8.5%) should be commenced on insulin therapy then weaned off over 1–3 months. Metformin should also be instituted from diagnosis provided there is no ketoacidosis, and the dose increased to the maximum tolerated. Insulin is currently the only second line treatment licensed for use in the UK. A pragmatic approach is to offer once a day long acting insulin; and add in mealtime short acting insulin if insufficient response. The glycated haemoglobin target for optimal glycaemic control is less than 53 mmol/mol (7.0%). Future treatments under investigation for paediatric use drugs targeting the insulin resistance, the beta cell failure, and glucose availability. It is likely that these clinical trials will generate an evidence base for better treatments in future.