Caring for kids Aggressive intervention recommended to prevent pediatric diabetes, review concludes Type 2 diabetes is a growing risk for America’s young people, researchers note. March 17, 2021Wednesday Jessica Bardoulas Contact Jessica Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Topics diabetesType 2 diabetesyouth Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult disease, is increasingly causing health complications among American youth. Researchers who recently published a review in the Journal of Osteopathic Medicine are recommending that physicians work more aggressively to prevent pediatric diabetes. Because few pediatric Type 2 diabetes treatment options are available, prevention is unusually important. To improve health outcomes, the paper’s authors recommend physicians conduct regular screenings of children and adolescents, adopt a high level of suspicion, and intervene early and often with families who have children at risk for prediabetes and T2 diabetes. “Pediatric Type 2 diabetes is more progressive and aggressive than adult-onset Type 2 diabetes,” said review author Jay H. Shubrook, DO, professor and diabetologist at Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine. “Kids need our help, and we’re not sounding the alarm loud enough.” Risk factors A young person’s metabolism is different than that of an adult. The liver does not clear insulin at the same rate, and youths experience a more rapid decline in beta cell function—meaning they lose the ability to produce enough insulin more quickly than adults. For young people who struggle with their weight, diabetes is a significant risk. Excessive weight can lead to insulin resistance, a turning point for the disease. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national study published in 2018 and again in 2020, found that the rate of obesity in youth was 18.5% and that prediabetes was found in 18% of adolescents. “That the rates of youth obesity and prediabetes are nearly the same is not a coincidence,” said Dr. Shubrook. Managing the disease The American Diabetes Association recommends considering food insecurity, housing instability, and potential financial limitations when working with families to create a plan to manage T2 diabetes. Clinicians should also screen for stress, isolation, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and eating disorders during the evaluation and treatment process. “The best chance at slowing the youth diabetes epidemic is for physicians to identify at-risk youths and provide early interventions that emphasize family-based preventive lifestyle changes,” said Dr. Shubrook. “Osteopathic principles and practice, which incorporate a patient’s environmental, societal, and lifestyle factors into care, support this process.” Related reading: Social support linked to success in managing diabetes, JAOA research suggests Shift workers at risk for heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes Related articles ‘I hate this damn disease’: Diabetes patients share their stories To manage diabetes, it’s essential to partner with your physician and seek out support, patients say. A hip-hop doc who rocks, as doctor and dance instructor One doctor’s battle with childhood obesity and diabetes leads to dance classes for kids that energize and empower. More in Patient Care DOs vs. MDs: Do patient outcomes favor a side? A recent JAMA study explored patient outcomes following surgical procedures provided by DO and MD surgeons. Olympic water polo team physician shares insights on taking care of elite athletes Team USA physician Naresh Rao, DO, discusses many fascinating aspects of caring for world-class athletes, including mental health considerations, spirituality and the motivating power of music. Previous articleCivil rights leader William G. Anderson, DO, shares more details about his life and upbringing Next articleDOs advocate for health care worker support, GME funding, Medicare payments on DO Day 2021
‘I hate this damn disease’: Diabetes patients share their stories To manage diabetes, it’s essential to partner with your physician and seek out support, patients say.
A hip-hop doc who rocks, as doctor and dance instructor One doctor’s battle with childhood obesity and diabetes leads to dance classes for kids that energize and empower.
DOs vs. MDs: Do patient outcomes favor a side? A recent JAMA study explored patient outcomes following surgical procedures provided by DO and MD surgeons.
Olympic water polo team physician shares insights on taking care of elite athletes Team USA physician Naresh Rao, DO, discusses many fascinating aspects of caring for world-class athletes, including mental health considerations, spirituality and the motivating power of music.