With diabetes in children and teens on the rise, learning how to prevent this disease is key. Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem, but you can take a proactive role that can change the dynamic of your child’s health.
At Northeast Pediatric Associates PA, we’re an expert team of physicians who diagnose and treat children effectively who have type 2 diabetes. We also provide guidance on how to help your child avoid this disease altogether.
Type 2 diabetes affects how your body metabolizes sugar. Insulin, which is a hormone, helps move glucose from your blood to your cells for energy. When your body’s cells don’t respond to the insulin, you have type 2 diabetes.
This chronic condition develops gradually, which makes it difficult to detect its symptoms. Up to 40% of all children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes don’t show any symptoms at all.
If you suspect that your child might have type 2 diabetes, look for these signs:
Your child might also have darkened skin in their armpits and neck because of insulin resistance.
Type 2 diabetes is most common in children ages 10-19. They can have an increased risk if they:
If your child has a body mass index (BMI) that goes higher than the 85th percentile, they can be three to four times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Whether your child is symptomatic or asymptomatic, we can perform a lab test to determine if your child has diabetes. We also provide guidance for your child’s nutrition. Because we’re teen wellness experts, we can treat your child if they develop diabetes in this stage of their life.
Helping your child make healthy lifestyle choices is the best place to start. Encourage them to eat a nutritious, healthy diet, be active daily, and avoid inactivity.
You can make these lifestyle activities a daily choice for the whole family, which can encourage a positive change for everyone.
We have offices in San Antonio, Northcentral San Antonio, Schertz, and Castroville, Texas, where we can diagnose and effectively treat your child with type 2 diabetes. To learn more, call our friendly office staff, or use the online booking tool today.
