Atypical presentation of pediatric type 2 diabetes<\/p>\n
Classic hyperglycemic symptoms are not always what brings a child in. The hospital described Grace Cashion, a 13-year-old from Ohio who had months of stomach pain. At a routine visit, she was found to have elevated blood glucose and was diagnosed with T2D.\u00b9 “Definitely a shock to hear that, going from stomach upset to that diagnosis,” said her mother, Stephanie Cashion.\u00b9<\/p>\n
Her care team recommended working with a dietitian, eating more whole foods at home, and walking after meals. According to the hospital, she now has control of her diabetes and no longer requires insulin.\u00b9 Single-patient outcomes are anecdotal, however, and should not be generalized.<\/p>\n
ADA screening recommendations for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in youth<\/p>\n
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care in Diabetes\u20142026 recommend considering risk-based screening for youth with overweight (BMI \u226585th percentile) or obesity (BMI \u226595th percentile) who have at least 1 additional risk factor.\u00b3 Screening should begin after the onset of puberty or at age 10 years, whichever comes first.\u00b3 Risk factors include a first- or second-degree relative with T2D; maternal diabetes or gestational diabetes during the child’s gestation; higher-risk race or ethnicity; and signs of insulin resistance or conditions linked to it, such as acanthosis nigricans, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or polycystic ovary syndrome.\u00b3 If results are normal, testing should be repeated at least every 3 years, or sooner if BMI is rising or the risk profile worsens.\u00b3<\/p>\n
Family-centered lifestyle interventions for pediatric prediabetes<\/p>\n
Nationwide Children’s clinicians recommend that families make changes together: aiming for about 1 hour of daily movement, starting with simple steps such as a walk after dinner; replacing sugary drinks and processed snacks with water, fruits, and vegetables; and planning balanced weekly meals built on whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins.\u00b9<\/p>\n
“It’s important to screen for it, and it’s important to also apply those lifestyle interventions, especially in the young pre-pubertal years,” Mamilly said.\u00b9<\/p>\n