Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Exams and Tests
Many children have had no symptoms before they are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Usually, the illness is discovered when a blood or urine test taken for another reason shows diabetes.
If a doctor suspects that your child may have type 2 diabetes, he or she will do a medical history, physical exam, and blood glucose testing. If the results of these tests meet the Reference criteria for diagnosing diabetes established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), your child has diabetes.
Other possible tests
If it is hard to tell whether your child has type 2 or type 1 diabetes, your doctor may do a Reference C-peptide test or an autoantibodies test. (Autoantibodies are produced when the body's Reference immune system Opens New Window does not work right.) These tests may not be able to confirm the type of diabetes your child has. Getting a definite diagnosis may take months or years. In either case, your child's sugar levels will need to be controlled right away.
Sometimes a doctor will do a quick Reference home blood sugar test Opens New Window or a Reference urine test for sugar to see whether a child may have diabetes. Although these tests are simple and can show possible diabetes, additional testing is needed to make sure your child actually has the disease.
Monitoring tests if diagnosed with diabetes
Because your child is at risk for diabetes complications (eye, heart, kidney, nerve, liver, and blood vessel problems), he or she needs to see a doctor regularly for Reference tests to monitor type 2 diabetes.
Early detection
If your child is overweight and gets little or no exercise, he or she may be at Reference risk for type 2 diabetes. Early detection and treatment for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay problems from the disease.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference August 1, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Stephen LaFranchi, MD - Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
