Our Online Appointment Requests and Text Messages are temporarily disabled. Please call our office to make an appointment. Thank you!

Note: Our Stone Oak Office has relocated to 300 E. Sonterra Blvd, Ste 320, San Antonio, TX 78258.  We are located in Bldg 3 at The Commons at Concord Park on the corner of Sonterra and Ronald Reagan.

 

Is Your Child at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

Is Your Child at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?

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.

Understanding type 2 diabetes

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.

Knowing the risks

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.

Diagnosing your child’s 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.

Preventing type 2 diabetes in your child

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.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Why Won’t My Baby Stop Crying?

Taking care of a newborn can be fulfilling and challenging at the same time. One of those challenges might be that your baby cries all the time. Keep reading to find out what might be the cause and what action to take.

What No One Ever Told You About Jaundice

If you’ve heard about jaundice, but don’t know all the facts, we can help. This common condition can be easily diagnosed and treated, if needed. However, most cases resolve on their own in a few days. Continue reading to learn more.

Help! My Child Suffered an Injury After Hours

It’s easy to panic when your child experiences an injury outside of normal “business” hours, but we can help. Here are some solutions to help you know how to navigate through these times when you feel unsure, nervous, or maybe even scared.

Well-Child Visits: What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Getting prepared for the birth of your child can be one of the most exciting times of your life. Once your baby is born, watch their development and health closely, beginning with their first well-child visit. Let’s look at what you can expect.