(Risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus in children)
Introduction:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin
resistance and hyperglycemia. In recent years, the incidence of T2DM in children has been
increasing, and it is now recognized as a significant public health concern. Children with T2DM
are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and other
complications. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risk factors associated with the
development of T2DM in children to prevent and manage this disease. This research paper aims
to review the literature and identify the risk factors associated with the development of T2DM in
children.(Pinhas‐Hamiel & Zeitler, 2007; Reinehr, 2005)
Risk factor:
Obesity: The most important risk factor for the emergence of T2DM in youngsters is obesity.
Over the past few decades, developed nations have seen an increase in the prevalence of
pediatric obesity, and it is estimated that more than 50% of children with T2DM are overweight
or obese. Adipose tissue accumulates excessively in obesity, which causes insulin resistance and
hyperglycemia. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced by adipose tissue, which worsens
insulin secretion and increases insulin resistance.(Ding, Chong, Jalaludin, Comino, & Bauman,
2015; Urbina, Kimball, Khoury, Daniels, & Dolan, 2010)
Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by low levels of physical activity, is
another significant risk factor for the development of T2DM in children. Physical activity
improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, which helps to maintain
normal glucose levels. A lack of physical activity, in contrast, leads to insulin resistance and
hyperglycemia.(Mayer-Davis & Costacou, 2001)
Family history: A family history risk factor for children's T2DM development is family
history. Children who have a parent or sibling with T2DM are more likely to get the condition
themselves. Children who have a family history of T2DM are more likely to inherit these genetic
predispositions, which are critical in the development of T2DM.(Harrison et al., 2003)
Ethnicity: Another risk factor for children's T2DM development is ethnicity. Compared to non-
Hispanic white children, children of African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific
Islander heritage have a higher risk of having T2DM. It is believed that a mix of genetic and
environmental variables, including food and physical activity levels, contribute to the elevated
risk in these populations.
Gestational diabetes: is a risk factor for the development of T2DM in children. Children born
to mothers with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing T2DM later in life.
Introduction:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin
resistance and hyperglycemia. In recent years, the incidence of T2DM in children has been
increasing, and it is now recognized as a significant public health concern. Children with T2DM
are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and other
complications. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risk factors associated with the
development of T2DM in children to prevent and manage this disease. This research paper aims
to review the literature and identify the risk factors associated with the development of T2DM in
children.(Pinhas‐Hamiel & Zeitler, 2007; Reinehr, 2005)
Risk factor:
Obesity: The most important risk factor for the emergence of T2DM in youngsters is obesity.
Over the past few decades, developed nations have seen an increase in the prevalence of
pediatric obesity, and it is estimated that more than 50% of children with T2DM are overweight
or obese. Adipose tissue accumulates excessively in obesity, which causes insulin resistance and
hyperglycemia. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced by adipose tissue, which worsens
insulin secretion and increases insulin resistance.(Ding, Chong, Jalaludin, Comino, & Bauman,
2015; Urbina, Kimball, Khoury, Daniels, & Dolan, 2010)
Sedentary lifestyle: A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by low levels of physical activity, is
another significant risk factor for the development of T2DM in children. Physical activity
improves insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, which helps to maintain
normal glucose levels. A lack of physical activity, in contrast, leads to insulin resistance and
hyperglycemia.(Mayer-Davis & Costacou, 2001)
Family history: A family history risk factor for children's T2DM development is family
history. Children who have a parent or sibling with T2DM are more likely to get the condition
themselves. Children who have a family history of T2DM are more likely to inherit these genetic
predispositions, which are critical in the development of T2DM.(Harrison et al., 2003)
Ethnicity: Another risk factor for children's T2DM development is ethnicity. Compared to non-
Hispanic white children, children of African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific
Islander heritage have a higher risk of having T2DM. It is believed that a mix of genetic and
environmental variables, including food and physical activity levels, contribute to the elevated
risk in these populations.
Gestational diabetes: is a risk factor for the development of T2DM in children. Children born
to mothers with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing T2DM later in life.
