Type 2 diabetes in children and young people
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes in children and young adults is known to be a more aggressive form of the condition. If it’s left untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to permanent damage in the body due to the build-up of sugar in the blood – but it can be managed well. With the right specialist support, it’s possible to live well and avoid complications. Find out more about Type 2 diabetes – NHS (www.nhs.uk.
What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children?
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can develop more slowly than type 1 diabetes. A lot of people don’t get any symptoms, or don’t notice them. But you may notice your child displaying or experiencing some of the more obvious common symptoms below. It’s important to talk to your child’s GP if you notice any of these.
- Toilet – going for a wee more often, especially at night.
- Thirsty – being constantly thirsty and not being able to quench it.
- Tired – being incredibly tired and having no energy.
- Thinner – losing weight without trying to, or looking thinner than usual.
- Genital itching or thrush
- Cuts and wounds taking longer to heal
- Blurred vision
Learn more on the Diabetes UK website: children and type 2 diabetes | Guide to diabetes | Diabetes UK.
Research has shown that there are several risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes. These include ethnicity, genetics, and lifestyle. In some cases type 2 diabetes can be prevented, unlike type 1 diabetes.
Obesity and being overweight is thought to be behind more children developing Type 2 diabetes.
Eating a balanced diet and being more active can make a difference. One you Lincolnshire offer a programme for eligible children and young people to motivate, support and enable families to be a healthy weight. Let’s Move Lincolnshire can help children and young people as well as adults to be more active.
T2DigiBete, a place to help young people, families and communities to manage Type 2 Diabetes.