Type 2 diabetes diagnoses are on the rise, particularly in teens and 20-somethings. Learn more about the particular challenges of the disease in young people – and how to reduce risk.
Medically reviewed by Niya Jones, MD, MPH
Once called adult-onset diabetes, type 2 diabetes has become so widespread in teens that the moniker is now a misnomer. As of 2010, 1 in 400 Americans under age 18 had either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports — and that number is on the rise.
Although little is known about how to prevent juvenile or type 1 diabetes, there are steps families can take to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in teens. To help protect your teen's long-term health, learn more about stopping this potentially deadly disease.
The Type 2 Diabetes Epidemic: Who Is at Risk?
Some populations — including Native Americans, Alaska Natives, African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders — have a greater likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, as do people who have a family history of the disease. But many teens (and adults) do not fall into these categories and instead, get type 2 diabetes because of poor lifestyle choices.
Ruth S. Pupo, RD, CDE, a dietitian and certified diabetes educator at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, blames the diabetes epidemic on out-of-control portion sizes and too little exercise. Instead of playing outside, biking, and roller skating, today’s teens are spending too much time sitting in front of computers and video game consoles, she says.
Type 2 Diabetes in Teens: Why Is It Dangerous?
Uncontrolled diabetes in teens and adults wreaks havoc on the body. It can affect the way that blood circulates and prevent the proper amounts of oxygen from reaching vital tissues. Because of chronic circulation issues, blindness can eventually develop, along with damage to the heart, nerves, and kidneys. Amputations may also become necessary in some cases. It’s estimated that type 2 diabetes reduces life span by about 13 years.
Making matters worse, type 2 diabetes in teens is an even more difficult disease to treat. “Type 2 diabetes is a far more aggressive disease in youth compared to middle-aged people,” explains Janet Bond Brill, PhD, RD, a nutritionist, health, and fitness expert, and author of Cholesterol DOWN and Prevent a Second Heart Attack. “It is harder to treat — so the ghastly, life-threatening medical complications of this disease and a poor quality of life will surface at a younger age.”
The Treatment Challenges of Type 2 Diabetes in Teens
Treating type 2 diabetes in teens can be challenging as typical adult regimens appear to be less effective in young people. “A recent study has shown that the majority of youth with type 2 diabetes will require more than one prescription medication to control the disease and will most likely require insulin therapy within a few years of diagnosis,” Brill says. “Metformin, the oral drug typically used to control type 2 diabetes in adults, was ineffective in over half of the youth studied.” It took the addition of a second drug to help enhance blood sugar control.
Type 2 diabetes in the teen years can also be difficult because of other physiologic and social factors. Hormones may affect blood sugar levels, making treatment even more complicated. Unhealthy eating habits (think vending machines and fast food), along with not getting enough exercise and not always complying with their treatment regimen can also contribute to poor outcomes among teens.
Ultimately, the best offense is a good defense. All teens should watch their diets and stay active to prevent type 2 diabetes from developing in the first place. If diabetes does arise, however, teens need to take it seriously. Seeing a doctor regularly is critical, along with eating a healthy diet (and the right portion sizes), maintaining a healthy weight, being active on a daily basis, taking medication as prescribed, and checking blood sugar levels throughout the day.
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