Diabetes is often subcategorized as type I and type II.  These types have different causes but similar end results.  Both forms of diabetes, if not well controlled, may cause organ and blood vessel injury as well as nerve damage. This may result in stroke, blindness, kidney failure, circulatory problems, increased infections and heart disease.  Nearly 16 million Americans have diabetes and it is noted to be the sixth leading cause of death by disease.  The juvenile form of this disease (type I) results from a faulty pancreas that does not produce sufficient insulin to facilitate glucose metabolism.  Type II diabetes is the adult form where patients produce sufficient insulin but their cells are resistant to it.

  Earlier this year a consensus statement was issued by the American Diabetes Association regarding the alarming increase in type II diabetes in children and adolescents.  In fact, this has been referred to as “an emerging epidemic”.  Doctors are not certain whether the apparent increase in type II diabetes in children is a new phenomenon or whether it has perhaps been misdiagnosed in the past. 

  The principle risk factor for type II diabetes is genetics and since you can’t choose your parents, this is not a modifiable risk factor.  Hispanics, American Indians, Asians and African Americans are at the highest risk for developing diabetes.  Obesity is a modifiable risk factor and certainly it is on the rise in the United States.  Some doctors believe that this may be responsible for the epidemic as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey reported that in the United States about 14 percent of children aged 6 to 11 and 12 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 are overweight. 

  The distinction between type I and type II diabetes is very important.  The practical significance of this is that the two forms of diabetes are treated very differently and if the correct diagnosis is not made, treatment with insulin may actually worsen the obesity in children with type II diabetes.  These types of diabetes do not have the same symptoms. Children with type I diabetes feel ill quickly if they do not have their insulin whereas children with type II diabetes may not feel any adverse effects without treatment; consequently, there is more risk for these children to have poor management of their disease.

  There are new medications for type II diabetes that are effective and this disease can be well controlled.  If your child has diabetes maintain a close relationship with your physician so that you will feel comfortable asking questions.  If there is any doubt about the diagnosis work with your physician to choose expert consultation.