Type 2 Diabetes

Treatments

Treatment for Type 2 diabetes includes:

• Insulin injections. Fifty percent of children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes require insulin. Insulin can be given with syringes, insulin pens or an insulin pump. Parents or guardians should help young children with their insulin injections. As children get older, they can learn to inject themselves.
• Medicines. Several medicines are available to treat Type 2 diabetes in children. The medicines work in different ways. Some decrease insulin resistance while others increase insulin production. There are also medicines that slow the absorption of carbohydrates.
• Diabetes management. Diabetes management involves a lifestyle change. You or your child will test his or her blood sugar several times a day using a blood glucose meter and record the results in a logbook. Your child should also follow a meal plan, making sure to eat three meals and possibly a few snacks each day. If your child takes insulin, it is important to count the number of carbohydrates eaten at meal and snack times so the appropriate amount of insulin can be given. In addition, getting enough exercise and reducing stress will help your child's body use insulin. As your child gets older, he or she will learn to manage the condition independently with your continued supervision.
• Continued monitoring by your child's healthcare team. The diabetes specialists at Riley at IU Health recommend your child see his or her healthcare team every three to four months for continued health monitoring. The following health evaluations are performed during these visits:
  • Growth and weight gain. Your child's height and weight are plotted on a growth chart at each visit to monitor his or her growth. Children whose diabetes is in control should grow normally.
  • Hemoglobin A1c test. The same blood test that is used to diagnose diabetes is also used to keep track of your child's average blood sugar levels after diagnosis. This test will be done each time your child visits the doctor.
  • Thyroid function test. Children with Type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk for developing thyroid conditions. A test to check if your child's thyroid is functioning normally will be performed every two years.
  • Cholesterol test. High blood glucose levels can affect cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels can contribute to heart disease. Your child's cholesterol levels will be checked every four years—more often if they are high.
  • Urine microalbumin test. High blood sugar concentrations over a long period of time can result in the thickening of kidney membranes. When this happens, protein abnormally leaks into the urine. Once your child turns 10 or has had diabetes for five years, a urine microalbumin test is performed each year to monitor for signs of kidney problems.
  • Liver enzyme test. High blood sugar concentrations over a long period of time can result in liver problems. Your child’s liver enzymes will be checked yearly or more often if needed.
  • Blood pressure check. Children with Type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for developing high blood pressure at a young age. Your child’s blood pressure will be checked at each clinic visit.
  • Dental exam. High blood sugar can predispose children to periodontal disease. Although all children should have their teeth examined every six months, this is especially important for children with Type 2 diabetes.
  • Eye exam. Long periods of high blood sugar can damage the tiny vessels in the eyes leading to poor vision. Children with Type 2 diabetes should see an ophthalmologist at least once a year.
• Yearly influenza vaccine. Influenza can make diabetes management very difficult and can result in emergency room visits or hospitalization. The physicians at Riley at IU Health recommend that all patients with Type 2 diabetes and their family members receive a yearly seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that will require lifelong treatment and management.