title: Type 2 diabetes: an epidemic in children.
abstract: Increasing numbers of children and adolescents are developing type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of this condition include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, insulin resistance and hypertension. Type 2 diabetes is more common in girls and families with a positive history of the disease. Diagnosis is often delayed and may identify the presence of chronic complications. An oral glucose tolerance test and a two-hour plasma glucose assessment are the best screening and diagnostic investigations. Treatment is based on weight reduction with diet and exercise, glycaemia monitoring and medication if necessary.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nursing and Healthcare Research, University of Greenwich. drvwilson@gmail.com
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wilson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D015995:Prevalence; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology