Diabetic onset in children and adolescents: A diabetologist’s perspective

Type-2 diabetes is becoming more common in people under the age of 25, yet they do not require insulin to live. They are, nevertheless, more likely than persons with insulin-dependent diabetes to develop life-threatening complications such as renal damage and heart disease.

According to Dr. Ayush, a Ghaziabad-based diabetologist, type-2 diabetes, which usually affects older persons, is attacking young Indians and striking them harder.

Despite the fact that young people with type 2 diabetes do not require insulin to survive, they are at a higher risk of life-threatening consequences such as kidney damage and heart disease than persons with insulin-dependent diabetes.

According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research’sResearch’s (ICMR) youth diabetes registry, one in every four (25.3 percent) people under the age of 25 in India has adult-onset type-2 diabetes, which, by definition, should only affect older adults with a family history of diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diets, and inactivity.

“Type 2 diabetes in adolescents and young adults is no longer uncommon. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and acanthosis nigricans (dark, velvety skin patches) are standard in young individuals with type-2 diabetes, according to Dr. Ayush.

Dr. Ayush, a leading diabetologist from Ghaziabad, will be discussing about Type 2 Diabetes in this article.

Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in middle-aged and older people. Obesity is now being detected in young people, thanks to the surge in childhood obesity.

Long-term diabetes problems, such as heart and renal damage, can result from type 2 diabetes. Diabetes-related issues are increasingly likely to arise at a younger age as more young people develop type 2 diabetes. As a result, proper treatment is critical for avoiding long-term health issues.

What distinguishes type 2 diabetes from type 1 diabetes?

Until a comprehensive assessment is performed, a young individual with type 2 diabetes may be misdiagnosed as having type 1 diabetes.

There is a more significant hereditary potential to acquire type 2 diabetes than type 1 diabetes. However, it is primarily a result of lifestyle practices in young people.

Which young people are the most vulnerable to type 2 diabetes?

Those children and young people who are most at risk of getting type 2 diabetes are:

If you are overweight or obese AND you have two or more of the following:

· Type 2 diabetes in a blood relative

· A health professional’s diagnosis of insulin resistance.

How does type 2 diabetes manifest itself?

Type 2 diabetes in young individuals is assumed to be caused by insulin resistance, which means that the insulin does not operate effectively, according to Dr. Ayush, Ghaziabad’s finest diabetologist. The hormone insulin is produced in our bodies by the pancreas and plays a critical function in blood glucose regulation.

Insulin resistance causes young people to produce more insulin than is “usually” required to keep their blood glucose levels in check. Insulin resistance is more common in overweight and obese young people, which can create health concerns on its own.

Insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes if the young person’s pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance. Blood glucose levels then begin to climb above normal ranges. Because hormonal changes might contribute to increased insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes is more likely to be diagnosed during puberty.

Is there any indication that you have type 2 diabetes?

A young person with type 2 diabetes could not show any signs or symptoms at all. If there are any symptoms, they are usually minor and appear gradually. High blood glucose levels might produce symptoms including thirst and frequent urination.

How can you know if you have type 2 diabetes?

• A complete medical examination by a health expert is required for diagnosis. They’ll inquire about your risk factors and any symptoms you’re experiencing, as well as examine for evidence of insulin resistance.

• A fasting blood glucose level or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) may be performed as well. Insulin levels can also be measured after a fast.

• Young people at risk of type 2 diabetes should get a fasting blood test every 2 years starting at the age of 10.

What is the treatment for type 2 diabetes?

Treatment is determined by the severity of the young person’s illness at the time of diagnosis.

Lifestyle adjustments, such as healthy eating and staying physically active, maybe the only treatment for some young people who have no symptoms.

If living a healthy lifestyle isn’t enough to keep the young person’s diabetes under control, their doctor may prescribe drugs to assist in lowering insulin resistance.

Is type 2 diabetes a dangerous condition?

Type 2 diabetes is a dangerous condition that can lead to long-term diabetes-related complications, regardless of whether it is treated with pills or insulin injections.

Diabetes-related problems such as heart disease and renal disease are more likely to arise at a younger age as more young people develop type 2 diabetes.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeing a doctor on a regular basis is critical to remaining healthy and avoiding long-term health issues.

Is there anything that can be done to avoid type 2 diabetes in children and teenagers?

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes in children and teenagers can be prevented by adopting healthy lifestyle practices.