Type 2 Diabetes In Children - Symptoms & Risk Factors

In previous times, Diabetes was looked upon as a health challenge that plagues older people. Presently, this is not the case. For a disease that was once tagged “an adult-onset disease”, this disease has become more common in children. Type 2 Diabetes is a disease that deforms how the body breaks down glucose or sugar. Due to this concerning development in children, it is important to know the symptoms and risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes.

Causes of Diabetes

When diabetes is mentioned, what mostly cones to mind as a leading cause is the consumption of sugar alone. Quite frankly, high intake of sugary foods is a leading cause, but the cause of diabetes is not limited by that understanding.

First and foremost, diabetes is caused by thee body's inability to produce insulin or utilize that which is available for use. This unused sugar does not go to the cells as it is supposed to but instead, build in the bloodstream. What this results in is inadequate energy for the cells and a lot of sugar in the blood, which either way does damage to the body.

Other causes are: hereditary, bad diets, etc.

Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes

A peculiar trait with this disease is not being able to detect it from the onset. This means that your child may have this disease without you realizing it. The motive behind knowing about the symptoms and risk factors, so that you can take proactive steps towards diagnosis and treatment.

1. Hazy sight
2. Fatigue
3. Regular need to drink water or eat something.
4. Emaciation
5. Numbness in feet or hands
6. Longer time for wounds to heal
7. Urinates regularly
8. Infections

These symptoms serve as a hint to what your child’s body might be telling you. As a parent, you should not take health-related issues of your children lightly and you must act swiftly when the need arises.

Risk Factors Associated With Diabetes

Risk factors should you be looked upon as guides to help nip at the bud, situations that can be detrimental if allowed to grow. With an understanding of this, let's take a look at some conditions that may place your child or children at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

1. Overweight or obese children are prone to this disease.
2. Inactive or sedentary lifestyle.
3. Bad eating habits.
4. Genetics – This has to do with family genes passed on through generations.
5. Irregular blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
6. High sugar intake.