Type 2 Diabetes in Children - Research Paper Example

Frequent hospital visits may also be needed (Davis, 2009, p. 48). Discussion According to Lobstein & Leach (2004, p. 13), diabetes mellitus type 2 is a condition that results from high blood glucose – as a result of relative insulin shortage in the context of insulin resistance. It is different from diabetes mellitus type 1, which results from an absolute insulin deficiency, which is caused by the destruction of islet cells located at the pancreas. The common symptoms of Diabetes type 2 include constant hunger, frequent urination, and excess thirst.

According to medical studies, the primary cause of diabetes is believed to be obesity, especially, among children who are predisposed to the condition (Amed et al., 2010, p. 393-406). In the past, many children were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, but the number of type 2 diabetes has been on the increase, especially, those between the ages of 10 and 20. It is also, much common among children from non-white descent – mainly those with a close relative with the condition. In 2002, there was a 36% increase in the cases registered in the U.

K, as compared to the figures of the previous year. These statistics are according to the National Diabetes Audit (2), which identified 102 children with the condition. . However, this number is noted as continuing to grow – spreading across the different communities and backgrounds, which is attributed to the less active and more overweight condition of children. As of 2004, from the Diabetes U.K report, the children detected as suffering from diabetes type 2 was estimated at 1400. This estimate number was based on the figures collected about the number of obese and overweight children.

Soonest the condition has been made; the child should be administered with the services of a pediatric specialist group – specializing in different fields – these including a dietitian. At such a specialty center, the child is closely monitored – so that prescription may be offered, regarding the necessary changes of lifestyle in the area of diet and physical exercises (Amed et al., 2010, p. 393-406). According to the Department of Health (2004, p .45), type 2 diabetes occurs due to the production of insufficient insulin, or in the cases when the body’s cells do not respond to insulin as expected.

This condition is referred as insulin resistance. This type is more common as compared to type 1 diabetes, accounting for 90% of the diabetic cases in the U.K. However, children with diabetes type 2 are more manageable – which can be achieved by adjusting their eating patterns. The administration of a healthy diet, exercising and the monitoring of blood glucose levels are known to improve the conditions of such children. However, due to the progressive nature of Diabetes type 2 – especially among children – the administration of insulin medication is often required.

The incidence of this condition among children is associated to high obesity levels. Obesity-related diabetes is sometimes referred as