Diabetes remains an uncommon condition in children, but its prevalence has risen in recent years. Children were traditionally affected primarily by Type 1 Diabetes, formerly known as “Juvenile Diabetes.” People with Type 1 Diabetes are unable to produce insulin due to the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and thus require insulin treatment for survival. Children with Type 1 Diabetes are often diagnosed after presenting with frequent urination, excessive thirst, and weight loss.
Over the past two decades, increasing numbers of children have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, which is a condition associated with insulin resistance and obesity. Most people with Type 2 Diabetes initially take medications rather than insulin. Children who consume large amounts of sugary beverages, who are overweight or obese, with close family members with Diabetes, or who are non-Caucasian, are at higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
Bringing your child for regular check-ups at Preventous will help us monitor your child’s height and weight, which is one of the best ways to detect children at risk for diabetes.
Dr. Bing Wu
Family Physician