Endocrine Abstracts

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has historically been considered an exclusive disease of adulthood until late 1970’s when reports of increased prevalence in pediatric age group emerged in the literature. The concerning increase in the rate of diagnosis of T2DM in children and adolescents has continued parallel to the increasing rates of obesity. The disease is not specific to the United States, it has been recognized as a global problem.

T2DM of youth is a heterogeneous disease from a pathophysiology perspective. Both insulin deficiency and insulin resistance are the key components of pathogenesis, and their variable proportions alter the delicate balance between these two parameters. This reflects to the clinical presentation and the treatment needs to be tailored accordingly.

This review will address T2DM as a relatively new and significant disease of the pediatric age group. The objectives are:

1. To provide an overview of T2DM in youth, with emphasis on:

–Characteristics and pathophysiology

–Diagnosis, differential diagnosis

–Risk factors, epidemiology

2. To discuss treatment goals and options, with reference to clinical presentation.