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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

Which Types of Diabetes Affect Young people?

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different conditions, but they both affect the body’s use of insulin. Although type 1 is more common in young people, both types can affect children and teenagers.

Type 1 diabetes in children, previously called juvenile diabetes, occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. Without insulin, sugar cannot travel from the blood into the cells, and high blood sugar levels can occur. People can develop type 1 diabetes at any age, from early childhood to adulthood, but the average age at diagnosis is 13 years. An estimated 85% of all type 1 diagnoses take place in people aged under 20 years. Treatment involves lifelong insulin use and blood sugar monitoring, as well as diet and exercise management, to help keep blood sugar levels within the target range.

Type 2 diabetes is less common in young children, but it can occur when insulin is not working correctly. Without enough insulin, glucose can accumulate in the bloodstream.

The chance of developing type 2 diabetes increases as people get older, but children can also develop it. The rates of type 2 diabetes are increasing along with increases in childhood obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that obesity affected around 18.5% of children and adolescents aged 2–19 years in the U.S. in 2015–2016. Over 75% of children with type 2 diabetes have a close relative who has it, either due to genetics or shared lifestyle habits. Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes is linked with an increased risk. Sometimes, the person will need medication.

However, people can often manage type 2 diabetes by:

  • Changing the diet.

  • Getting more exercise.

  • Maintaining a moderate weight.

The symptoms of diabetes are similar in children, teenagers, and adults. Some symptoms are common in both types of diabetes, but there are some differences to help tell them apart. The symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children tend to develop rapidly over a few weeks. Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop more slowly. It may take months or years to receive a diagnosis.

The main symptoms of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents include:

  • increased thirst and urination

  • hunger

  • weight loss

  • irritability

  • a fruity smell on the breath

The main symptoms of type 2 diabetes include:

  • urinating more often, especially at night

  • increased thirst

  • unexplained weight loss

  • itching around the genitals, possibly with a yeast infection

  • slow healing of cuts or wounds

Any child with signs or symptoms of diabetes should see a doctor for screening. This may consist of a urine test to look for sugar in the urine or a finger-prick blood test to check the child’s glucose levels.

Diabetes rates in childhood and adolescence are rising. Type 1 diabetes is much more common in young people than type 2 diabetes, but the rates of both are increasing.

In most cases, people can manage the symptoms of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes with a healthful diet, regular exercise, and medications.

To access the full article on diabetes in children and teens, click here.

Useful links:

  1. Type 2 diabetes in children - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  2. The Hidden Emotional Struggles of Kids with Type 1 Diabetes | Diabetic Warehouse

  3. Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Kids | Diabetes | CDC

  4. Type 1 Diabetes in Children: Information for Families - HealthyChildren.org