Until recently, type 2 diabetes was very rare in children. However, with the change in eating habits and the increase in childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes has become more prevalent.
This type of diabetes is largely related to unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Children who live a sedentary lifestyle are prone to type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your child’s body processes sugar (glucose).
Many children who have type 2 diabetes do not show any symptoms, but over time, symptoms start to manifest themselves.
Symptoms may include:
Dr. Joshua Smith is a specialist in pediatric endocrinology and is specifically trained to treat endocrine system diseases like type 2 diabetes.
It is essential to manage your child’s type 2 diabetes, the long-term effects are serious and life threatening — affecting nearly every major organ in your child’s body.
Encouraging your child to eat healthy and to exercise will help defer the effects of the disease. Our education department is comprised of licensed and registered dieticians and certified diabetes care and education specialists who work with patients and their families to help establish good eating habits. If necessary, medication can be prescribed.
We also are actively participating in clinical research studies. Participation is voluntary and may provide access to medication and new technologies for those who participate.
The American Diabetes Association has extensive information about type 2 diabetes on their website, but if you are concerned about diabetes in your child, give us a call at 208-523-1122 or fill out the form below to request an appointment.