Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic progressive disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. Previously an adult onset disease, it is now being diagnosed more and more in childhood and adolescence. Lately, Asia has become the epicenter of this epidemic. Childhood T2DM is a new challenge for the pediatrician. Due to similarities in presentation, children may initially be misdiagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Most oral anti-diabetic agents have not been approved for use in adolescents, and there is a concern for safety of their use. Lifestyle intervention is difficult to conduct, and adherence to recommendations is lower in adolescents than in adults with T2DM. Higher incidence and early onset of co-morbidities, with lack of long term outcomes data make the management problematic. In many communities, due to a shortage of specialists, general practitioners will treat children with T2DM. Guidelines cited in this review are designed to help with the diagnostic process and management.