Childhood type 2 diabetes rates rise

The number of children suffering from the form of diabetes more common in adults could be higher than previously estimated, it has emerged.

Research conducted by a team at Barts and the London and Newham University Hospital Trusts found that 22 children under 16 have Type 2 diabetes – which is normally associated with adults and obesity and does not require insulin injections – in east London alone.

It had previously been suggested that there were only around 100 children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the UK, but is has now been suggested that this is a “vast underestimate”. Researchers behind the latest study now estimate that there could be as many as 1,500 under-sixteens with Type 2 diabetes in the UK.

The research confirmed that 95% of the east London cases were overweight or obese, while all but one of the children came from black and ethnic minority groups. Type 2 diabetes tends to develop sooner in people from these groups and their risk of developing the condition is thought to be at least five times higher than other groups.

Ten years ago, Type 2 diabetes was unheard of among children – Type 1 diabetes, which requires regular insulin injections and is not linked to obesity, is more common in this age group. However, it has now started to grow as obesity becomes more common.

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive at Diabetes UK, said that the figures revealed a “shocking trend”. “Diabetes can lead to long term complications such as heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and reduced life expectancy. Unless children are educated to eat a healthy diet and take up physical activity, the number of children with the condition will continue to increase.

“Specialist diabetes services for children are already under a lot of pressure. If this problem is getting worse, the NHS has to ensure resources are in place to deal with it,” he said.

It was also revealed today that inhaled insulin could become a reality for diabetes sufferers. Research teams engaged in ongoing trials in Birmingham, London and Miami into inhaled insulin use in adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have reported positive results, which potentially could mean an end to insulin injections for around 700,000 people in the UK.

The team reportedly found that inhaled insulin provided better glucose control in Type 2 sufferers already on medication than taking more tablets, while Type 1 sufferers were found to have no serious side effects by combining inhaled insulin with a daily long-lasting insulin injection.

Mr Smallwood said that the discovery could make “a real difference” to many people with diabetes. He said: “Since insulin was discovered in the 1920’s injections have been the only option. Many attempts have been made to find alternative treatments and, at last, we appear to be close to success.”

(KMcA/GB)