A study revealed that diabetes among U.S. youths continued to rise from 2002 to 2015, especially for Asian children and teens.
More than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes — many of them children and adolescents. Cases of diabetes are on the rise among those 20 and under in the U.S., according to a study last year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is one of the most common chronic diseases among children and teens, and is the result of the body not being able to process sugar, or glucose, properly.
Most of the sugar in our bodies comes from the food we eat. During digestion, sugar enters the bloodstream. Moving sugar from the bloodstream to the body’s cells requires the hormone insulin. People with diabetes lack insulin or are unable to process insulin.
There are two types of childhood diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes, which is the most common in children, is an autoimmune condition in which the body no longer produces insulin. The exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is unknown. There’s no cure for Type 1 diabetes, but it can be managed. Advances in blood sugar monitoring and insulin delivery have improved blood sugar management and quality of life for children with Type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is not caused by being overweight, eating too much sugar or not taking part in enough physical activity.
- Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that also affects the way the body processes sugar, but this type is fueled by obesity. Although Type 2 diabetes occurs more commonly in adults, an increasing number of children are affected due to the obesity epidemic. However, most children do not develop Type 2 diabetes before puberty.
While the exact cause of Type 2 diabetes is unknown, family history and genetics appear to play important roles. Inactivity and excess fat, especially fat around the belly, also seem to be important factors. Often, changes in diet and exercise are enough to manage Type 2 diabetes in children. But oral medications and insulin treatment may be needed.

More than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes. And many of them are children and adolescents.
Even if diabetes doesn’t run in your family, it is still possible that your child could develop it. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of the disease can help get an earlier diagnosis and ultimately a chance of a better outcome.
Symptoms
Increased thirst and increased urination are often the first signs that something is amiss. Sugar buildup in your child’s bloodstream pulls fluid from tissues. As a result, your child drinks more and uses the bathroom more than usual.
Hydration is important, but anytime children act out of the ordinary, it’s logical to be concerned about their health. You should contact your child’s pediatrician or primary health care provider to talk about any changes that may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Other symptoms for children might be fatigue and increased hunger. The lack of sugar in their cells can cause children to become exhausted. If you begin to notice that your child is showing signs of fatigue but their activity has not increased, that is an area of concern.
Some children may also lose weight, as they’re not able to store what they’re eating in their body anymore without insulin.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes tend to develop rapidly in young people; whereas, Type 2 diabetes symptoms develop over time and may be so gradual that you do not notice. For children with Type 2 diabetes, other symptoms might include blurry vision and darkened areas of the skin, particularly around the neck or in the armpits.
Young people who develop diabetes are at a higher risk of health challenges throughout their lives. Complications from diabetes may include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, increased risk for stroke and kidney disease, as well as other conditions.
Even if your child has not exhibited any other signs of diabetes, you should call their health care provider to determine next steps. Their doctor may recommend blood and urine tests. If your child is found to have diabetes, you likely will be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist for ongoing care. If they’re found to be at high risk or on the cusp for diabetes, you also may want to meet with a specialist to develop a proactive plan to lower their risk for the future.
As scary as it might sound to have a child diagnosed with diabetes, the condition is manageable, and patients can go on to be active and have good quality of life.
Ana Creo is a pediatric endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
10 healthy habits for managing diabetes
Get moving

The American Diabetes Association recommends at least 150 minutes of activity a week, with no more than two consecutive days without activity. In other words, getting 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week, can help you manage your condition. It could be as simple as going for a family walk through your neighborhood after dinner instead of sitting down to watch TV.
Get five a day

Fruits and vegetables add texture, color and nutrients to your diet. Aim for five servings of fruits and veggies a day.
Stash easy-to-carry produce like apples, bananas and baby carrots in your bag for snacking at work or on the go.
Drink water

The average 20-ounce soda contains 15 to 18 teaspoons of added sugar and 240-plus calories. You can ditch the sugar without sacrificing flavor by cutting up your favorite citrus fruit or berries and adding them to your water bottle or a glass of sparkling water.
Go whole

Whole grains contain more fiber than refined, which helps keep you feeling full longer. Look for brown rice, quinoa, wheat berries or barley next time you’re at the grocery store. Or boil a pot of whole-grain noodles for your next pasta night.
Cut back on red meat

Red meat is often high in saturated fat and should be eaten in moderation. You can still enjoy small portions a few times a week, but look for other sources of protein, such as beans and nuts. Try going meatless for one meal a day, and explore protein-packed foods like almonds, cottage cheese and kidney beans.
Limit salt

Ease up on the saltshaker and keep processed foods — which are often very high in sodium — to a minimum. Too much sodium can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke, both common diabetes complications. Experiment with fresh herbs and spices to flavor your food instead.
Keep an eye on portion sizes

It’s easy to overeat when you are used to oversized portions. Learn what a healthy portion size is for various foods and try to stick with it when you serve yourself meals.
Eat breakfast

Research suggests that starting your day with breakfast may help with both weight loss and keeping the pounds off long-term. Plus, skipping breakfast increases your likelihood of overeating later on, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Aim for a breakfast high in whole grains, protein and low-fat dairy. Not a morning person? Make tomorrow’s breakfast tonight.
Get your eyes and feet checked regularly

Diabetes can lead to complications in many parts of the body, including blindness and loss of nerve function in the feet. Your doctor can check for nerve function at your routine visits. Eye disease often shows no early symptoms, which makes annual eye exams important.
Eat out less

Preparing meals at home gives you complete control over ingredients and serving sizes, a lost luxury when eating out. Restaurant meals are often higher in sodium, fat and calories than homemade versions. Look for lightened-up versions of your favorite restaurant recipes and have fun re-creating them at home.