Type 2 Diabetes in Children

Insulin is a hormone that takes sugar (called glucose) from your bloodstream and delivers it into your body’s cells to be used for energy. In Type 2 diabetes, your child’s body creates insulin but either doesn’t produce enough or doesn’t use it well. This causes your child to have high blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious health complications over time.

To manage your child’s type 2 diabetes, our diabetes team will provide guidance about eating, drinking, and exercise habits. Some children with type 2 diabetes also benefit from medicines or insulin injections to help manage their blood sugars.  The Duke Children’s diabetes care team is experienced in working with children of all ages and their families. We’ll ensure your child gets the best-quality medical care and has the understanding and support they need to control their blood sugar and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to help manage their diabetes.

Your pediatrician may have already diagnosed your child’s diabetes through blood and urine tests. After you've been referred, your pediatric endocrinologist will do a thorough exam and additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate your child’s health. During the exam, your will:

• Learn about your child’s health history, your family history, and your child’s eating, drinking, and exercise habits.
• Order blood and urine tests to confirm what type of diabetes your child has, check for any hormone imbalances or other problems that may have made them prone to diabetes, and check for any medical problems commonly linked to diabetes.
• Depending on the results, your doctor may perform additional tests. As it is important for all children with type 2 diabetes to see an eye doctor for regular check-ups, your diabetes doctor may also refer you to an eye doctor if your child has not had a recent eye exam.
• Evaluate your child’s weight and the percentage of muscle and fat in their body.
• Ask your child questions to evaluate their mental health and screen for depression. We perform this screening every year to make sure your child gets the support they need. 

Nationally Recognized
We are recognized by the American Diabetes Association for our diabetes self-management education. In addition, we were the first center in the Southeast to offer specialized care for children with Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.

A Team of Specialists
We address all the health challenges that can occur with obesity and Type 2 diabetes -- from high blood pressure and sleep apnea to hormone and other problems. We evaluate your child’s overall health and work closely with pediatricians, cardiologists, nephrologists (kidney doctors), orthopedic specialists, and other specialists to tailor your child’s treatment to their unique needs.

Family-Centered Care
Family-centered care helps you manage life with diabetes. Our care team will help you and your child understand and follow treatment guidelines, and incorporate good eating, drinking, and exercise habits into your family’s lifestyle. Through one-on-one support from our care team as well as our comprehensive diabetes classes, we empower your child and you to take control of your child’s health.

Experienced Pediatric Endocrinologists
Your child will receive care from experienced pediatric endocrinologists. Our doctors are also researchers who are seeking new ways to improve diagnosis and treatment for children of all ages with diabetes.