b'ELITEHEALTH GUIDE|When symptoms do develop, diabetes glu- idemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome,ous activity daily. Those who have type 2 dia-cose levels typically have become out of con- small-for-gestational age birth weight betes may need encouragement to play outside, trol. The following symptoms are the mostAfter initial screening, screening is recom- join a team sport, and limit screen time from common: mended every three years. the TV, computer, and tablet.Polyuria, or increased urination, causesThe following criteria can be used to diag- If glucose monitoring, a balanced diet, and more frequent urination than before dia- nose type 2 diabetes: activity is not enough, medication may be betes developed. This symptom developsFasting blood glucose. A fasting bloodrequired. Often, insulin is prescribed because because as glucose increases, the glucoseglucose is a test that is performed whenit has been studied long-term in children and must be excreted somewhereand thatthere has been no caloric intake over- research shows that it is effective. There are somewhere is through the urine. night. A value of 126 mg/dl or greater isvarious types of insulin that can be prescribed, Polydipsia, or increased thirst, causes anindicative of diabetes. as well as different delivery mechanisms, such increased intake of fluids. As urinationGlycated hemoglobin (A1c). An A1cas insulin pumps. It is important to note that increases, dehydration can occur; this canmeasures the amount of glucose that isinsulin carries the risk of hypoglycemia, or low cause an uptick in thirst. attached to red blood cells over a periodblood glucose, so if a child is prescribed insu-Fatigue occurs because the body is notof three months. An A1c of 6.5% orlin, being well-versed in detection and treat-using glucose effectively; this means thatgreater is indicative of type 2 diabetes. ment of hypoglycemia is important.the body is lacking energy. Random blood glucose. This blood testAn oral medication called metformin Blurred vision may be caused by hyper- is performed at a random time during the(Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza) is a dia-glycemia (high blood sugar) because ele- day, regardless of caloric intake. A glucosebetes medication that is FDA-approved in vated glucose levels can draw fluid intovalue of 200 mg/dl or greater is indicativechildren. The original type 2 diabetes oral the eyes. This makes it harder to focus. of type 2 diabetes. medication, metformin is also highly effective; Acanthosis nigricans is a conditionmetformin helps to reduce insulin resistance of the skin that causes darkened, thickTREATMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES INand reduces the livers production of glucose. It patches, generally in the armpits and theCHILDREN has the side effect of diarrhea and nausea, but back of the neck. Treatment of type 2 diabetes in children isthis typically reduces with time.nWounds may also heal slowly becausenot quite the same as treatment in adults. Yes, having high blood glucose can make itencouragement of healthy eating and exer- REFERENCESmore difficult for wounds to heal. cise is a huge part in improving glucose levels.1. Rates of new diagnosed cases of type 1 However, the same medications that can beand type 2 diabetes on the rise among used for adults may not be able to be used forchildren, teens. (2017, April 17). Retrieved DIAGNOSIS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES INchildren. November 30, 2019, from NIH web-CHILDREN Glucose monitoring is typically required;site: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/this involves the use of a device, a test strip,news-releases/rates-new-diagnosed-cas-Healthcare providers are often spurred to per- and a lancet.The lancet pokes the finger toes-type-1-type-2-diabetes-rise-among-form laboratory testing based on the abovedraw bloodthis drop of blood is placed onchildren-teenssymptoms.However, there are very specificthe test strip and the meter reveals a glucose2. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes in chil-criteria as to who should be screened for typevalue. dren. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2 diabetes: Eating a well-balanced diet is recommended.2019, from Medical News Today website: At the age of 10 or at onset of puberty inFor most children, this includes limiting sug- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/arti-children who are overweight AND whoary foods, thereby reducing carbohydrates.cles/322919.phphave two additional risk factors: There are various schools of thought in terms3. Type 2 diabetes in children. (2017, AprilA first- or second-degree family mem- of healthy eating, but most healthcare pro- 19). Retrieved November 30, 2019, from ber with type 2 diabetes viders agree that consuming a diet that is lowerMayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoc- Being of a high-risk ethnicity (Asian,in carbsbalanced with fats and proteins linic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-di-Black, Hispanic, Native American, orcan improve glucose. However, everyone hasabetes-in-children/diagnosis-treatment/Pacific Islander) specific needs and a healthcare provider maydrc-20355324 Maternal history of diabetes or gesta- recommend a visit with a registered dietitian,4. Xu, H., & Verre, M. (2018, November tional diabetes and a certified diabetes educator to pinpoint1). Type 2 diabetes mellitus in children.Having signs of insulin resistance orwhat will work best for the child. Retrieved November 30, 2019, from conditions that are associated withThe World Health Organization recom- American Family Physician website: insulin resistance; for example, acan- mends that all children between the ages of 5https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/1101/p590.thosis nigricans, hypertension, dyslip- and 17 should get at least 60 minutes of vigor- html14 ELITEHEALTH GUIDE|2019| www.elitecme.com'