Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents A growing issue

Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents A growing issue

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in adolescents. Type 2 diabetes onset generally coincides
with mid to late puberty, during the peak of physiological pubertal insulin resistance. Patients with type 2 diabetes
are usually asymptomatic at presentation, being diagnosed incidentally or on screening after consideration
of risk factors. Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is by glucosebased tests or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Each
test has its limitations. Treatment of type 2 diabetes is multidisciplinary. Vigilance in follow-up healthcare is
required in adolescents with diabetes as lifestyle and antihyperglycaemic medication interventions are often not
very effective or durable in this patient population.

Modern Medicine – November 2017