Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Youth

Type 2 diabetes has increased in prevalence in childhood, largely due to the obesity epidemic in youth. This disease represents a serious public health issue as it is associated with significant comorbidities and complications even when compared with adults with the same disease and children with type 1 diabetes. Recently, a number of effective medications in addition to insulin and metformin have been approved for use in children with this disorder. However, it is not yet clear whether these drugs will improve the management of type 2 diabetes in young people over the long term. There is still a need for a better understanding of the underlying biology of the disease in youth and for the development of additional effective preventative and therapeutic strategies.