Type 2 Diabetes among Adolescents in Israel
Orit Pinhas-Hamiel, Ilana Koren, Pnina Vardi
Maccabi Juvenile Diabetes Center, Ramat Hasharon and Lin Diabetes Center, Haifa
Type 2 diabetes has been considered rare in children and adolescents. Recently, increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes has been reported among adolescents in various parts of the world. We report the occurrence of type 2 diabetes among adolescents in Israel.
A boy of 14 and girls of 16.5 and 17 were pubertal and extremely obese, with a body mass index (BMI) between 39-47 kg/m2. Acanthosis nigricans, elevated diastolic blood pressure, and hirsutism with menstrual disorders, were associated with insulin resistance, and should raise suspicion of type 2 diabetes. Significant obesity and strong family histories of type 2 diabetes appeared to be important risk factors. Since type 2 leads to long-term morbidity and mortality, its early identification and appropriate treatment are crucial.