Regular screening and early intervention needed to prevent pediatric diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult disease, is causing more and more health complications in young Americans. A research review published in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine suggests that doctors should work to more aggressively prevent pediatric diabetes.

Since few pediatric treatment options for type 2 diabetes are available, prevention is exceptionally important. To improve health outcomes, the authors of the article recommend that physicians perform regular screening of children and adolescents, adopt a high level of suspicion, and intervene early and often with families with children. at risk of prediabetes and T2 diabetes.

“Pediatric type 2 diabetes is more progressive and aggressive than adult type 2 diabetes,” said senior author Jay H. Shubrook, DO, professor and diabetologist at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. “The children need our help and we are not sounding the alarm loud enough.”

Risk factors

The metabolism of a young person is different from that of an adult. The liver does not clear insulin at the same rate, and young people experience a faster decline in β cell function – which means they lose the ability to make enough insulin faster than adults.

For young people struggling with their weight, diabetes is a significant risk. Excessive weight can lead to insulin resistance, a turning point for the disease. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national study published in 2018 and again in 2020, found that the youth obesity rate was 18.5% and prediabetes was detected in 18% of adolescents.

It is no coincidence that the rates of childhood obesity and prediabetes are almost the same. “

Dr Jay H. Shubrook, principal author

Manage the disease

Childhood obesity is a complex problem that goes beyond a child’s health behaviors.

The American Diabetes Association recommends considering food insecurity, housing instability, and potential financial limitations when working with families to create a disease management plan. Stress, isolation, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and eating disorders should be screened for during the assessment and treatment process.

“The best chance of slowing the diabetes epidemic in young people is for doctors to identify at-risk young people and provide early interventions that focus on preventive family-centered lifestyle changes,” said the Dr Shubrook. “The principles and practice of osteopathy, which integrate a patient’s environmental, societal, and lifestyle factors into care, support this process.”