Diabetes (Type 2)

What is Diabetes (Type 2) ?
Type 2 diabetes, or non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. One third of children born in 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes. Our bodies need insulin (a hormone) in order to use the glucose (sugar) our body produces after digesting food. In Type 2 diabetes insulin is produced but the body cannot use the insulin properly or the body does not produce enough insulin to deliver glucose to the cells. This is called insulin resistance. High levels of glucose build up in the bloodstream and cause damage to blood vessels. All of our organs (heart, brain, kidneys, etc.) need blood vessels in order to function properly. This is why many other medical conditions are associated with diabetes. Examples are: blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, circulatory problems and nerve damage.

What are the riskfactors?

Being overweight, especially excessive abdominal weight
Family history of diabetes
Female gender
Specific ethnic groups (American Indian, African-American, Asian, or Hispanic/Latino)
Other problems with insulin resistance

Symptoms of Diabetes (Type 2) include:

Unexplained weight loss
Increased hunger or thirst, even after eating
Dry mouth
Frequent urination
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Heavy breathing
Slow healing of sores or cuts
Itchy skin
Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

What can I do?

Monitor your child’s diet (decrease the amount of fats and sweets)
Encourage regular exercise (at least 30 minutes per day)
Understand your child’s medications

What is an emergency?
A diabetic emergency occurs when there is a severe imbalance between the amount of insulin and the amount of glucose in the body. A child experiences hyperglycemia when there is a high level of sugar (glucose) and a low level of insulin in the body. A child experiences hypoglycemia when there is a low level of sugar (glucose) and a high level of insulin in the body. Signs of a diabetic emergency include:

Signs of an emergency include:

Rapid breathing
Shaking and confusion
Abdominal pain
Fruity (sugary) smell to the breath
Rarely – loss of consciousness

It is important to remember the health information found on this Web site is for reference only not intended to replace the advice and guidance of your health care provider. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a true medical emergency, call 911 immediately.