title: Type 2 diabetes: an epidemic disease in childhood.
abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus in the pediatric population is now a public health problem. It represents 8 to 45% of all diabetes reported among children and adolescents. Concurrently, childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the United States. Epidemiologic risk factors and diagnostic criteria have largely been established: The incidence of type 2 diabetes increases with age and obesity. Children and adolescents diagnosed with type 2 diabetes usually have a first- or second-degree relative with the disorder. Familial clustering and twin studies have suggested a genetic component for type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms that promote diabetes in susceptible individuals, the best treatment plans, and methods of prevention of this disorder are not yet established.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Tandy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aye
authors.forename: Lynne L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Levitsky
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology