Type 2 diabetes is becoming more prevalent among children and young adults. This increase has been connected to rising levels of obesity. There are two types of diabetes. While type 1 diabetes is still more common among children nationwide, type 2 diabetes is occurring more frequently in children because of poor diet and less physical activity. 

Over time, high blood glucose damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to complications such as stroke, blindness, heart disease, kidney failure, the risk of getting cancer and lower limb amputations. The good news is that type 2 diabetes can be controlled and better yet prevented. Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease. When people who live with type 2 diabetes control their lifestyle habits and maintain good glucose control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, they can get their lives back on track.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes:

• Being overweight
• Being physically inactive
• Having high blood pressure
• Having a family history of diabetes
• Prior pregnancies with gestational diabetes
• A woman with a waist circumference of 35 inches or more and a man with a waist circumference of 40 inches or more.

Signs and Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes:

• Extreme tiredness
• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Blurry vision
• Frequent infections
• Frequent urination
• Lack of interest/concentration
• Wounds that take a long time to heal
• A tingling sensation in the hands or feet.

Next: Lifestyle Modifications, Immunizations