TYPE 2 DIABETES IN CHILDREN AND TEENS

For many years, Type 2 Diabetes was called ‘adult-onset diabetes.’ Unfortunately, with a more sedentary lifestyle, developments in the food industry and many changes in our world, what was once a disease mainly in adults is now becoming more common in children.

Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes

Both types of diabetes are chronic diseases that affect the way your body regulates blood glucose (sugar). Glucose is the fuel that feeds your body’s cells, but to enter your cells it needs a key. Insulin is that key.

Type 1 Diabetes means that your body is not producing enough insulin, whereas patients with Type 2 Diabetes don’t respond to insulin as well as they should, and in later stages don’t produce enough insulin.

Causes of Type 2 Diabetes

Being overweight or obese - obesity numbers are annually increasing amongst children and adolescents

High carbohydrate diet - regularly consuming sugary juices, fizzy drinks and candy

Sedentary lifestyle – less activity and more screen time

Genetic predisposition – even though Type 2 Diabetes is mainly caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits, genetics can put us at a higher risk