Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents in a 2-year follow-up: insufficient adherence to diabetes centers

Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Reveals High Rates of Suicidality in 602 Patients With Cleft and Craniofacial Conditions

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about rates of suicidal ideation and behavior among youth with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) and other craniofacial conditions.

METHODS

Records of patients ages 6 and older who were administered the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) Lifetime Version during routine multidisciplinary cleft or craniofacial team visits between 2019 and 2023 were examined. Demographics information, C-SSRS data, and diagnoses were assessed with statistics including t tests, the Fisher exact test, and odds ratios.

RESULTS

A total of 1140 C-SSRS questionnaires across 602 (433 CLP and 169 craniofacial) patients with an average age of 11.2±3.7 years were included. Eighty-four (13.6%) patients endorsed lifetime suicidal ideation, 9 (1.5%) had at least one instance of suicidal behavior, 30 (5.0%) endorsed nonsuicidal self-injury, and 2 (0.3%) engaged in self-injurious behavior. Compared with CLP, those with other craniofacial conditions had similar odds of endorsing suicidal ideation and behavior (P≥0.05). Compared with those with isolated cleft palates, CLP had greater odds of endorsing suicidal ideation and behavior, though those differences were not significant (P≥0.05). Incidence of suicidality was unchanged before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic (P≥0.05). Dividing patients by sex or insurance type revealed no difference in suicidality (P≥0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with CLP and craniofacial conditions have a high incidence of suicidal ideation and behavior, though levels are similar between these groups. Suicidality in these patients was not negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Early identification of safety risks and psychosocial challenges through regular screening can facilitate connection with appropriate clinical interventions.

Access to Specialty Care for Commercially Insured Youths With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Importance

Youths with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk for complications compared with peers with type 1 diabetes, though few studies have evaluated differences in access to specialty care.

Objective

To compare claims with diabetes specialists for youths with type 1 vs type 2 diabetes and the association between specialist claims with multidisciplinary and acute care utilization.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used Optum Clinformatics Data Mart commercial claims. Individuals included in the study were youths younger than 19 years with type 1 or 2 diabetes as determined by a validated algorithm and prescription claims. Data were collected for youths with at least 80% enrollment in a commercial health plan from December 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. Statistical analysis was performed from September 2022 to January 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the number of ambulatory claims from an endocrine and/or diabetes physician or advanced practice clinician associated with a diabetes diagnosis code; secondary outcomes included multidisciplinary and acute care claims.

Results

Claims were analyzed for 4772 youths (mean [SD] age, 13.6 [3.7] years; 4300 [90.1%] type 1 diabetes; 472 [9.9%] type 2 diabetes; 2465 [51.7%] male; 128 [2.7%] Asian, 303 [6.4] Black or African American, 429 [9.0%] Hispanic or Latino, 3366 [70.5%] non-Hispanic White, and 546 [11.4%] unknown race and ethnicity). Specialist claims were lower in type 2 compared with type 1 diabetes (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.61 [95% CI, 0.52-0.72]; P < .001) in propensity score-weighted analyses. The presence of a comorbidity was associated with increased specialist claims for type 1 diabetes (IRR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.03-1.10]) and decreased claims for type 2 diabetes (IRR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.67-0.87]). Pooling diagnosis groups and adjusted for covariates, each additional specialist claim was associated with increased odds of a claim with a diabetes care and education specialist (odds ratio [OR], 1.31 [95% CI, 1.25-1.36]), dietitian (OR, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.09-1.19]), and behavioral health clinician (OR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.12-1.20]). For acute care claims, each additional specialist claim was associated with increased odds of admission (OR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.11-1.24]) but not for emergency claims (OR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.98-1.82]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study found that youths with type 2 diabetes were significantly less likely to have specialist claims despite insurance coverage, indicating other barriers to care, which may include medical complexity. Access to diabetes specialists influences engagement with multidisciplinary services. The association between increasing ambulatory clinician services and admissions suggests high utilization by a subgroup of patients at greater risk for poor outcomes.

Effects of once-weekly dulaglutide on juvenile type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity in Korea: a pilot study

PURPOSE

We sought to investigate the effects and side effects of once-weekly dulaglutide treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients <18 years of age in Korea.

METHODS

: From the Eulji University Hospital database, we identified all patients <18 years of age diagnosed with T2DM and treated with dulaglutide from January 1, 2017, to July 31, 2022.

RESULTS

We identified 5 patients <18 years of age treated with dulaglutide for T2DM management. Their mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 16.6 (0.5) years. Four (80%) patients were female. The mean (SD) body mass index was 29.4 (5.1) kg/m2, and the mean (SD) age at diagnosis was 15.2 (1.6) years. Four patients had been treated previously with metformin alone or in combination with insulin. Four patients were treated with 1.5 mg of dulaglutide and one was treated with 0.75 mg of dulaglutide. The mean (SD) hemoglobin A1c concentrations at baseline, 3 months after treatment, and 1 year after treatment, respectively, were 10.0% (2.2%), 6.5% (1.5%), and 6.7% (1.4%), with significant differences. In addition, at baseline, 3 months after treatment, and 1 year after treatment, the mean (SD) body weight values were 79.7 (13.3) kg, 80.2 (14.0) kg, and 81.1 (15.3) kg, with no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

Use of once-weekly dulaglutide for juvenile T2DM ensures very good glycemic control, with few side effects and good adherence, indicating its potential as a promising therapeutic agent in this age group. Nationwide studies are warranted to confirm our results.

The Prevalence of Obesity Among Children With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

The childhood obesity epidemic is presumed to drive pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the global scale of obesity in children with T2D is unknown.

Objectives

To evaluate the global prevalence of obesity in pediatric T2D, examine the association of sex and race with obesity risk, and assess the association of obesity with glycemic control and dyslipidemia.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to June 16, 2022.

Study Selection

Observational studies with at least 10 participants reporting the prevalence of obesity in patients with pediatric T2D were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Following the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guideline, 2 independent reviewers in teams performed data extraction and risk of bias and level of evidence analyses. The meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes included the pooled prevalence rates of obesity in children with T2D. The secondary outcomes assessed pooled prevalence rates by sex and race and associations between obesity and glycemic control and dyslipidemia.

Results

Of 57 articles included in the systematic review, 53 articles, with 8942 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of obesity among pediatric patients with T2D was 75.27% (95% CI, 70.47%-79.78%), and the prevalence of obesity at diabetes diagnosis among 4688 participants was 77.24% (95% CI, 70.55%-83.34%). While male participants had higher odds of obesity than female participants (odds ratio, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.33-3.31), Asian participants had the lowest prevalence of obesity (64.50%; 95% CI, 53.28%-74.99%), and White participants had the highest prevalence of obesity (89.86%; 95% CI, 71.50%-99.74%) compared with other racial groups. High heterogeneity across studies and varying degrees of glycemic control and dyslipidemia were noted.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that obesity is not a universal phenotype in children with T2D. Further studies are needed to consider the role of obesity and other mechanisms in diabetes genesis in this population.

Incidence of long-term diabetes complications and mortality in youth-onset type 2 diabetes: A systematic review

AIMS

This systematic review aims to assess the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes diagnosed <20 years.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library for longitudinal studies published between 1 January 2000 and 31 November 2021.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies (15 reporting CKD, 3 reporting CVD, 5 reporting mortality) from seven countries of sample size ranging between 96 and 4,141 were eligible. Most studies were conducted in North America and Europe (n = 14). Diabetes duration at enrolment varied from 0 to 8.3 years and follow-up duration from 1 to 12.6 years. The incidence rates (per 1,000 person-year) of albuminuria ranged between 12.4 and 114.8, macroalbuminuria or proteinuria between 10 and 35.0, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) between 0.4 and 25.0, CVD between 3.7 and 19.5, and mortality between 1.0 and 18.6. The highest incidence rates of albuminuria, ESKD and mortality were recorded in Australian Aboriginal and Pima Indian populations. Youth-onset type 2 diabetes was associated with greater risk of developing CKD compared with type 1 diabetes in most studies.

CONCLUSION

Studies reporting CVD in youth-onset type 2 diabetes are scarce. Estimated incidence rates of CKD and mortality in youth-onset type 2 diabetes varied across different study populations, potentially higher in indigenous people. Youth with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of adverse kidney outcomes than their type 1 counterparts. More studies are needed in regions outside of North America and Europe.

Trajectories in glycated hemoglobin and body mass index in children and adolescents with diabetes using the common data model

We evaluated trajectories of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and body mass index z-scores (BMIz) for 5 years after diagnosis among Korean children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D) using the common data model. From the de-identified database of three hospitals, 889 patients < 15 years of age diagnosed with T1D or T2D (393 boys, 664 T1D patients) were enrolled. Diagnosis was defined as first exposure to antidiabetic drug at each center. Compared with T2D patients, T1D patients had lower BMIz at diagnosis (- 0.4 ± 1.2 vs. 1.5 ± 1.4, p < 0.001) and 3 months (- 0.1 ± 1.0 vs. 1.5 ± 1.5, p < 0.001), and higher HbA1c levels at diagnosis (10.0 ± 2.6% vs. 9.5 ± 2.7%, p < 0.01). After 3 months, HbA1c levels reached a nadir of 7.6% and 6.5% in T1D and T2D patients, respectively, followed by progressive increases; only 10.4% of T1D and 29.7% of T2D patients achieved the recommended HbA1c target (< 7.0%) at 60 months. T1D patients showed consistent increases in BMIz; T2D patients showed no significant change in BMIz during follow-up. Peri-pubertal girls with T1D had higher HbA1c and BMIz values. Achieving optimal glycemic control and preventing obesity should be emphasized in pediatric diabetes care.

Long-term metformin treatment in adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance, results of an open label extension study

Background/Objectives

Off-label metformin is nowadays frequently used for the treatment of obesity in adolescents. However, studies on long-term metformin treatment in adolescents with obesity are scarce. Therefore, an 18 month open label extension study following an 18 months randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT) on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of metformin in adolescents with obesity and insulin resistance was performed.

Subjects/Methods

After completion of the RCT, metformin was offered to all participants with a body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-sds) > 2.3 and Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) ≥ 3.4. Endpoints were change in BMI and HOMA-IR.

Results

Overall, 31/42 participants completed the extension study (74% girls, median age 14.8 (11.6 – 17.9), BMI 31.2 (22.3 – 45.1), HOMA-IR 3.4 (0.2 – 8.8)). At start, 22/42 (52.4%) participants were eligible for metformin of which 13 (59.0%) agreed with treatment. In participants who continued metformin, an increase was observed in BMI (+2.2 (+0.2 to +9.0)) and HOMA-IR (+13.7 (+1.6 to +48.3)). In metformin naive participants, BMI stabilized after an initial decrease (+0.5 (−2.1 to +5.1)). For HOMA-IR, a decrease was observed (−1.1 (−4.6 to +1.4)).

Conclusion

While metformin treatment in metformin naive participants seems to result in an initial decrease in BMI and HOMA-IR, there is no evidence for sustained effect after prolonged use in adolescents. Limited compliance and/or insufficient dose may explain the differences in long-term effects between adolescents and adults.

Exploring the Dual Inhibitory Activity of Novel Anthranilic Acid Derivatives towards α-Glucosidase and Glycogen Phosphorylase Antidiabetic Targets: Design, In Vitro Enzyme Assay, and Docking Studies

A few new anthranilate diamide derivatives, 3a–e, 5a–c and 7a–d, were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against two interesting antidiabetic targets, α-glucosidase and glycogen phosphorylase enzymes. Different instrumental analytical tools were applied in identification and conformation of their structures like; ¹³C NMR, ¹H NMR and elemental analysis. The screening of the novel compounds showed potent inhibitory activity with nanomolar concentration values. The most active compounds (5c) and (7b) showed the highest inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and glycogen phosphorylase enzymes IC₅₀ = 0.01247 ± 0.01 µM and IC₅₀ = 0.01372 ± 0.03 µM, respectively. In addition, in vivo testing of the highly potent α-glucosidase inhibitor (7b) on rats with DTZ-induced diabetes was done and showed significant reduction of blood glucose levels compared to the reference drug. Furthermore, a molecular docking study was performed to help understand the binding interactions of the most active analogs with these two enzymes. The data obtained from the molecular modeling were correlated with those obtained from the biological screening. These data showed considerable antidiabetic activity for these newly synthesized compounds.

A 26-week, randomized trial of insulin detemir versus NPH insulin in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes (iDEAt2)

There are limited studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of treatments in young people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study compared the efficacy and safety of insulin detemir versus neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, both in combination with metformin and lifestyle intervention, in children and adolescents with T2D. This randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial recruited patients (n = 42) aged 10-17 years diagnosed with T2D already receiving metformin ± other oral antidiabetic drugs ± basal insulin. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either insulin detemir or NPH insulin, both with the maximum tolerated dose of metformin, and lifestyle intervention, over 26 weeks. Enrollment terminated prematurely after 17 months due to a very slow recruitment rate (12% of the target met). After 26 weeks, the observed mean HbA_1c value had decreased by 0.61% points in the insulin detemir group vs. 0.84% points in the NPH insulin group. The rate of symptomatic blood glucose-confirmed hypoglycemic episodes was 0.4 episodes/patient-year of exposure (PYE) for insulin detemir vs. 1.1 episodes/PYE for NPH insulin.

CONCLUSION

No safety issues were revealed with either basal insulin. Due to the low number of patients recruited, no efficacy conclusions could be drawn. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02131272. What is known: • There is a growing worldwide epidemic of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. • There is a lack of research and limited treatment options currently available in this population. What is new: • No safety issues with insulin detemir or neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes were observed. • Improving clinical trial recruitment, along with providing early, efficacious, and safe treatment options, in this population is critical.

High rates of diabetes reversal in newly diagnosed Asian Indian young adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with intensive lifestyle therapy

Aims:

There are variable reports on the reversibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) with higher rates among younger patients with short duration of diabetes. Hence, we studied the reversibility of diabetes among young adults with newly diagnosed type 2 DM.

Methods:

This prospective study included 32 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 DM. All type 2 DM patients were initially treated with intensive lifestyle therapy (ILT) (low-calorie diet [1500 kcal/day] and brisk walking for 1 h/day]). Four patients who with HbA1C <9.0% were treated with ILT alone. Except for three patients with concomitant infections who were treated with insulin, remaining 25 patients with HbA1C ≥9.0% were treated with metformin (1000–2000 g) in addition to ILT. When fasting plasma glucose was <126 mg/dl or HbA1C was <6.5% antidiabetic drug dose was reduced or stopped. The patients were followed for a minimum period of 2 years.

Results:

Reversal/remission rates at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 24 (75%), 24 (75%), and 22 (68.75%), respectively. Seventeen (53.1%) patients achieved complete reversal and seven (21.9%) patients achieved partial reversal at 3 months. Rates of complete and partial remission at 1 year were 50% and 25% and at 2 years were 46.9% and 21.9%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Young adults with newly diagnosed type 2 DM have high rates of diabetes reversal and should receive ILT to achieve reversal of diabetes.

Exercise training improves vascular function in adolescents with type 2 diabetes

The impact of exercise training on vascular health in adolescents with type 2 diabetes has not been previously studied. We hypothesized that exercise training would improve micro‐ and macrovascular health in adolescents with type 2 diabetes. Thirteen adolescents (13–21 years, 10F) with type 2 diabetes were recruited from Princess Margaret Hospital. Participants were randomized to receive either an exercise program along with standard clinical care (n = 8) or standard care alone (n = 5). Those in the intervention group received 12 weeks of gym‐based, personalized, and supervised exercise training. Those in the control group were instructed to maintain usual activity levels. Assessments were conducted at baseline and following week 12. The exercise group was also studied 12 weeks following the conclusion of their program. Assessments consisted of conduit artery endothelial function (flow‐mediated dilation, FMD) and microvascular function (cutaneous laser Doppler). Secondary outcomes included body composition (dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, DXA), glycemic control (whole body insulin sensitivity, M) assessed using the euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp protocol, cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙O2peak), and muscular strength (1RM). Exercise training increased FMD (P < 0.05), microvascular function (P < 0.05), total lean mass (P < 0.05), and muscle strength (P < 0.001). There were no changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, body weight, BMI, or M. In the control group, body weight (P < 0.01), BMI (P < 0.01), and total fat mass (P < 0.05) increased. At week 24, improvements in vascular function were reversed. This study indicates that exercise training can improve both conduit and microvascular endothelial function and health, independent of changes in insulin sensitivity in adolescents with type 2 diabetes.

Obesity and youth diabetes: distinguishing characteristics between islet cell antibody positive vs. negative patients over time

OBJECTIVE

Obese youth clinically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently have evidence of islet cell autoimmunity. We investigated the clinical and biochemical differences, and therapeutic modalities among autoantibody positive (Ab+) vs. autoantibody negative (Ab-) youth at the time of diagnosis and over time in a multi-provider clinical setting.

STUDY DESIGN

Chart review of 145 obese youth diagnosed with T2DM from January 2003 to July 2012. Of these, 70 patients were Ab+ and 75 Ab-. The two groups were compared with respect to clinical presentation, physical characteristics, laboratory data, and therapeutic modalities at diagnosis and during follow up to assess the changes in these parameters associated with disease progression.

RESULTS

At presentation, Ab+ youth with a clinical diagnosis of T2DM were younger, had higher rates of ketosis, higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and glucose levels, and lower insulin and c-peptide concentrations compared with the Ab- group. The Ab- group had a higher body mass index (BMI) z-score and cardiometabolic risk factors at diagnosis and such difference remained over time. Univariate analysis revealed that treatment modality had no effect on BMI in either group. Generalized estimating equations for longitudinal data analysis revealed that (i) BMI z-score and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were significantly affected by duration of diabetes; (ii) systolic blood pressure (SBP) and ALT were affected by changes in BMI z-score; and (iii) changes in HbA1c had an effect on lipid profile and cardiometabolic risk factors regardless of antibody status.

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of antibody status and treatment modality, youth who present with obesity and diabetes, show no improvement in obesity status over time, with the deterioration in BMI z-score affecting blood pressure (BP) and ALT, but the lipid profile being mostly impacted by HbA1c and glycemic control. Effective control of BMI and glycemia are needed to lessen the future macrovascular complications irrespective of antibody status.

Adolescents' views and experiences of treatments for Type 2 diabetes: a qualitative study

AIM

To explore adolescents' views and experiences of different treatments for Type 2 diabetes, in order to improve treatment concordance and consider how the current treatment pathway for adolescent Type 2 diabetes could be improved.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were held with 12 adolescents who had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Adolescents were sampled from a UK cohort study. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Interviewees struggled to maintain lifestyle changes. Insulin, metformin and liraglutide were described as effective but, in some cases, as resulting in side effects. Injected treatments were viewed less favourably than oral medications. Weight loss surgery was considered an acceptable treatment for obese adolescents who had tried other treatments for their diabetes. It was apparent that some adolescents had not been surprised by their diagnosis and did not fully appreciate the implications of having diabetes. It was also evident that some individuals had not told peers about their diagnosis due to fearing how they would react. Factors identified as improving treatment concordance included reminders and viewing treatment as effective and easy to take.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents want treatments that are effective, discrete, easy to take and do not make them different from their peers. As liraglutide was described as effective, and surgery viewed as acceptable in certain circumstances, greater consideration should be given to their potential role in treating adolescent Type 2 diabetes. Practitioners need to ensure that adolescents appreciate the implications of having diabetes and may want to address adolescents' concerns regarding how others view this condition.

Lifestyle therapy for the treatment of youth with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth is a relatively novel condition facing paediatric health care providers. Few experimental trials exist to guide clinical management in this population. Supporting and prescribing modifiable lifestyle behaviours is cornerstone in the management of T2D in adults. Clinical trials in obese adolescents suggest that intensive lifestyle interventions that include both dietary changes and increased physical activity elicit clinically meaningful reductions in weight and improve cardiovascular risk profiles. Observational studies in youth with T2D suggest that better diet quality and increased physical activity are associated with better metabolic control; however, the limited experimental data available does not support these observations. Trials evaluating lifestyle monotherapy for the treatment of hyperglycaemia in youth with T2D do not exist, and the only study evaluating combined lifestyle and pharmacologic therapy did not show additional benefit over pharmacologic treatment with metformin alone. Physiological and psychosocial differences between youth and adults with T2D likely contribute to the differences in the effectiveness of lifestyle therapy for improving glycaemic control. The current review describes these topics in detail and provides recommendations for paediatric health care providers for the promotion of lifestyle therapy for the management of hyperglycaemia and cardiovascular risk factors for youth with T2DM.

A review of the treatment of type 2 diabetes in children

The incidence of type 2 diabetes and obesity in children and adolescents has risen at staggering rates. Studies have shown that treating type 2 diabetes with oral medications in children may be more difficult than treating in adults. Compounding this problem is the fact that most of the medications available for treating type 2 diabetes have not been studied in children. Recently, the American Diabetes Association and the Pediatric Endocrine Society have collaborated to create a guideline for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in children. Similar to the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, metformin remains the mainstay of therapy along with diet and exercise. Adjunctive therapy should be based on the limited clinical evidence available as well as on patient preference. In order to avoid detrimental microvascular and macrovascular complications, patients, clinicians, and family members should work together to ensure adequate treatment of type 2 diabetes in children.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes in children: epidemiology and treatment

The incidence of overweight and obesity among children has increased dramatically in recent decades, with about one-third of children in the U.S. currently being either overweight or obese. Being overweight in early childhood increases risk for later obesity. There is evidence for the efficacy of family-based behavioral treatment to control weight and improve health outcomes. Obesity-related health risks have been documented, including metabolic syndrome. There is also increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among youth in recent years, with obesity and family history of T2D generally present. Lower income and ethnic minority status are associated with both obesity and T2D in youth. Most youth with T2D do not achieve optimal glycemic control, and are at high risk for later health complications. Obesity and T2D represent significant public health issues with potentially great personal and societal cost. Research addressing the prevention of obesity and T2D among youth is urgently needed.

Design, implementation, and evaluation of a pediatric and adolescent type 2 diabetes management program at a tertiary pediatric center

Global rates of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents have increased significantly over the past three decades. Type 2 diabetes is a relatively new disease in this age group, and there is a dearth of information about how to structure treatment programs to manage its comorbidities and complications. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of a personalized multidisciplinary, family-centered, pediatric and adolescent type 2 diabetes program at a tertiary pediatric center in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. We report the process of designing and implementing such a program, and show that this multidisciplinary program led to improvement in glycated hemoglobin (n=17, 8% at baseline versus 6.4% at 1 year, 95% confidence interval (0.1–0.28), P-value <0.0001) and stabilized body mass index, with lowered C-peptide and no change in fitness or metabolic biomarkers of lipid metabolism and liver function. As type 2 diabetes becomes more prevalent in youth, the need for programs that successfully address the complex nature of this disease is central to its management and to mitigate its long-term adverse outcomes.

An update on the pharmacotherapy options for pediatric diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus is a frequent endocrine disease during childhood and adolescence. Achieving a good glycemic control is of paramount importance to avoid short- and long-term complications and to allow a normal growth and quality of life.

AREAS COVERED

This review offers an update on current available treatment strategies for type 1 and type 2 diabetes approved for use in children and adolescents.

EXPERT OPINION

Although many progresses have been made in the field of diabetes management in children and adolescents, there are still several problems to deal with. With regard to type 1 diabetes, insulin remains the main and essential therapeutic strategy. However, the main issue is to develop a system that allows more physiological insulin coverage and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain. Adjunct therapies would be invaluable for patients struggling to achieve an acceptable glycemic control. Treatment of type 2 diabetes is based on lifestyle interventions and metformin is the first-line drug for children older than 10 years. As for type 1 diabetes, there is a strong need for developing new drugs to be used alone or in combination.

Management of pediatric and adolescent type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was an adult disease until recently, but the rising rates of obesity around the world have resulted in a younger age at presentation. Children who have T2D have several comorbidities and complications reminiscent of adult diabetes, but these are appearing in teens instead of midlife. In this review, we discuss the clinical presentation and management options for youth with T2D. We discuss the elements of lifestyle intervention programs and allude to pharmacotherapeutic options used in the treatment of T2D youth. We also discuss comorbidities and complications seen in T2D in children and adolescents.

Lifestyle intervention in childhood obesity: changes and challenges

Lifestyle interventions are regarded as the therapy of choice in children with obesity. The efficiency of lifestyle intervention for childhood obesity has been proven by several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Even a stable weight in a growing child with obesity is associated with an improvement in cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities of obesity. In particular, children aged 5-12 years and children with overweight rather than obesity profit from lifestyle interventions. However, in clinical practice, the degree of weight loss with lifestyle intervention is only moderate, and the success rate 2 years after onset of an intervention is low (<10% with a decrease in BMI SD score of <0.25). Nevertheless, the difficulty of a child with overweight or obesity to reduce their weight might be attributable to not only a lack of motivation but also genetic background and/or adaptive changes in basal metabolic rate, hunger and satiety hormones that occur with weight loss. We must accept that lifestyle interventions are successful only in a subgroup of children with obesity. Regardless, the techniques used and the education of therapists need to be improved. If lifestyle interventions do not result in weight loss in a child with obesity, drug treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk factors should be initiated but is currently seldom performed.

Calculating cardiac risk in obese adolescents before and after onset of lifestyle intervention

Prevalence and severity of obesity in adolescents is increasing worldwide. The obesity-associated cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) determine cardiac risk as demonstrated by longitudinal studies. Fat distribution and not overall fat mass determines the cardiac risk, since intra-abdominal adipose tissue is especially related to CRFs. Besides classical CRFs such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and impaired glucose metabolism, a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state in obesity is associated with cardiac risk. Adipocytokines such as adiponectin are related to cardiac risk and may present useful predictors of cardiac mortalities in future. Measurement of the carotid intima-media thickness is a new promising noninvasive marker for early cardiovascular changes including atherosclerosis. The therapy of choice to prevent cardiac events in obesity is lifestyle intervention of obese adolescents. However, in clinical practice, the weight loss in lifestyle interventions is only moderate and drug treatment of CRFs is seldom performed.

The adjuvant effect of hypertension upon diabetic peripheral neuropathy in experimental type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (DM) is the most common cause of peripheral neuropathy in the Western world. A comorbidity, hypertension, has been speculated to contribute to initiation or worsening of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We studied adult rat models using genetic strains with DM (Zucker Diabetic Fat rats)±hypertension (HTN (ZSF-1 rats)) to investigate the relative contributions of DM and HTN and the potential for additive effects of HTN upon existing DM for the development of peripheral neuropathy. Long duration sensorimotor behavioral and electrophysiological testing was complemented by histological and molecular methods. Only DM led to tactile and thermal hyperalgesia and affected motor nerve electrophysiology. Although DM led to marked loss of sensory amplitudes and to sensory conduction slowing, a mild additive effect from HTN contributed after 6months of DM with worsening of slowing of sensory nerve conduction velocities, but without effect upon sensory amplitudes. At the sensory dominant sural nerve, mild (<10%) but greater degrees of myelin thinning were noted with DM and HTN combined, suggesting a mild additive effect. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression was increased only at the sural nerve in the presence of HTN with co-localization to Schwann cells and myelin. The effects of DM and HTN upon peripheral nerve are dissimilar, with HTN contributing to MMP upregulation at the sites of myelin thinning at sensory nerve fibers, potentially worsening comorbid DM. Together, our results indicate that HTN has a mild additive contribution to diabetic peripheral neuropathy at sensory peripheral nerve fibers manifesting with the loss of myelin thickness.

Rising incidence and challenges of childhood diabetes. A mini review

Approximately 215,000 people younger than 20 yr of age, or 1 in 500 children and adolescents, had diabetes in the United States in 2010--and the incidence is rising. We still have insufficient knowledge about the precise mechanisms leading to the autoimmune mediated β-cell destruction in Type 1 diabetes, and the β-cell failure associated with insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes. Long-term complications are similar: micro- and macrovascular disease occurs prematurely and presents an enormous burden on affected individuals, often as early as in middle age. In Type 1 diabetes, technological advances have clearly improved blood glucose management, but chronic peripheral over-insulinization remains a problem even with the most advanced systems. Thus, in Type 1 diabetes our research must focus on 1) finding the stimulus that ignites the immune response and 2) developing treatments that avoid hyperinsulinemia. In Type 2 diabetes in youth, the challenges start much earlier: most young patients do not even benefit from existing therapies due to non-compliance. Therefore, prevention of Type 2 diabetes and improvement of compliance, especially with non-pharmacological interventions, are the greatest challenges.

Success with lifestyle monotherapy in youth with new-onset type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Evidence is lacking to support the efficacy of lifestyle modification as first-line therapy in the clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adolescents.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of youth diagnosed with T2DM between 1999 and 2008 was conducted. The authors describe the percentage of youth presenting with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of <9% who achieved/maintained target glycemic control (HbA1c ≤7.0%) with lifestyle monotherapy during the year following diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among the 275 youth with T2DM, 38% (n=104) presented with an HbA1c <9% and were prescribed lifestyle monotherapy at diagnosis. Of the 80 youth who had sufficient follow-up data over 12 months, 54% successfully maintained target glycemic control solely with lifestyle management. The mean HbA1c score at diagnosis was lower in youth who where successful on lifestlye monotherapy compared with those who were not successful.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of youth newly diagnosed with T2DM presenting with an HbA1c <9% effectively achieved/maintained target glycemic control with lifestyle recommendations alone for 12 months.

BACKGROUND

Evidence is lacking to support the efficacy of lifestyle modification as first-line therapy in the clinical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adolescents.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of youth diagnosed with T2DM between 1999 and 2008 was conducted. The authors describe the percentage of youth presenting with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of <9% who achieved/maintained target glycemic control (HbA1c ≤7.0%) with lifestyle monotherapy during the year following diagnosis.

RESULTS

Among the 275 youth with T2DM, 38% (n=104) presented with an HbA1c <9% and were prescribed lifestyle monotherapy at diagnosis. Of the 80 youth who had sufficient follow-up data over 12 months, 54% successfully maintained target glycemic control solely with lifestyle management. The mean HbA1c score at diagnosis was lower in youth who where successful on lifestlye monotherapy compared with those who were not successful.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of youth newly diagnosed with T2DM presenting with an HbA1c <9% effectively achieved/maintained target glycemic control with lifestyle recommendations alone for 12 months.

[Practical implementation of treatment guidelines concerning obesity in children and adolescents]

Guidelines recommend a long-term outpatient lifestyle intervention in obese children and adolescents that also addresses the children's parents. However, lifestyle interventions are performed only in 1% of the 1,000,000 obese children and adolescents in Germany, suggesting a large gap between guidelines and medical care in real life. Possible reasons are a lacking awareness of the consequences of overweight, no time resources, and the lack of motivation to change lifestyle habits in some obese children and their families. Furthermore, there is no treatment option throughout Germany. The long-term success rate varies widely between outpatient treatment centers (<50% up to >70%), while the long-term effectiveness of short-term, inpatient intervention (rehabilitation) is unknown. However, many more obese children are treated by short-term rehabilitation compared to long-term outpatient intervention. Older and extreme obese children and adolescents are treated by lifestyle intervention, although this kind of intervention is more effective in younger and not so obese children. Some subgroups (extreme obese adolescents, obese disabled children) have no meaningful and effective treatment options.

Clinical trials in youth with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes in youth was almost unheard of only two decades ago. However, tracking the recent dramatic rise in childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes has become increasingly prevalent. Thus, there is an urgent need for high-quality clinical trials to increase in-depth knowledge about pathophysiology, optimal treatment, and prevention. We therefore systematically reviewed published and ongoing clinical trials of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. The results demonstrate that (i) few randomized clinical trials have been completed and published in children with type 2 diabetes; (ii) ongoing trials in type 1 diabetes clearly outnumber trials in type 2 diabetes; and (iii) recruitment and enrollment into the latter trials are challenging, however once achieved, drop-out rates are not excessively high. We conclude that type 2 diabetes in youth is an important but difficult new field of clinical research, and we discuss the existing barriers to successful recruitment, conduct, and support of these clinical trials.

In search of quality evidence for lifestyle management and glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review

Background

Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of lifestyle behavior modification on glycemic control among children and youth with clinically defined Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies (randomized trials, quasi-experimental studies) evaluating lifestyle (diet and/or physical activity) modification and glycemic control (HbA1c). Our data sources included bibliographic databases (EMBASE, CINAHL^®, Cochrane Library, Medline^®, PASCAL, PsycINFO^®, and Sociological Abstracts), manual reference search, and contact with study authors. Two reviewers independently selected studies that included any intervention targeting diet and/or physical activity alone or in combination as a means to reduce HbA1c in children and youth under the age of 18 with T2D.

Results

Our search strategy generated 4,572 citations. The majority of citations were not relevant to the study objective. One study met inclusion criteria. In this retrospective study, morbidly obese youth with T2D were treated with a very low carbohydrate diet. This single study received a quality index score of < 11, indicating poor study quality and thus limiting confidence in the study's conclusions.

Conclusions

There is no high quality evidence to suggest lifestyle modification improves either short- or long-term glycemic control in children and youth with T2D. Additional research is clearly warranted to define optimal lifestyle behaviour strategies for young people with T2D.

Risk factors for impaired glucose tolerance in obese children and adolescents

AIM: To investigate which obese children have an increased risk for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), a risk factor for later diabetes.

METHODS: We studied 169 European untreated obese children and adolescents with normal glucose tolerance at baseline. Waist circumference, fasting glucose, lipids, blood pressure, pubertal stage, 2 h glucose in oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT), and HbA1c were determined at baseline and 1 year later.

RESULTS: One year after baseline, 19 (11.2%) children demonstrated IGT, 4 (2.4%) children had impaired fasting glucose, no (0%) child suffered from diabetes, and 146 (86%) children still showed normal glucose tolerance. At baseline, the children with IGT and with normal glucose tolerance in a one-year follow-up did not differ significantly in respect of any analyzed parameter, apart from pubertal stage. The children developing IGT entered puberty significantly more frequently (37% vs 3%, P < 0.001). One year after baseline, the children with IGT demonstrated significantly increased waist circumference, blood pressure values, insulin and triglyceride concentrations, and insulin resistance index HOMA. The children remaining in the normal glucose tolerance status 1 year after baseline did not demonstrate any significant changes.

CONCLUSION: During the study period of 1 year, more than 10% of the obese children with normal glucose tolerance converted to IGT. Repeated screening with oGTT seems meaningful in obese children entering puberty or demonstrating increased insulin resistance, waist circumference, blood pressure, or triglyceride concentrations.

Multidisciplinary management of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents

Although once considered a disease of adults, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in youth is increasing at a significant rate. Similar to adults, youth with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk for developing hypertension, lipid abnormalities, renal disease, and other diabetes-related complications. However, children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes also face many unique management challenges that are different from adults with type 2 diabetes or children with type 1 diabetes. To deliver safe, effective, high-quality, cost-effective health care to adolescents with type 2 diabetes, reorganization and redesign of health care systems are needed. Multidisciplinary health care teams, which allow individuals with specialized training to maximally utilize their skills within an organized diabetes treatment team, may increase efficiency and effectiveness and may improve outcomes in children with type 2 diabetes. This review article provides a brief review of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, provides an overview of multidisciplinary health care teams, and discusses the role of multidisciplinary health care management in youth with type 2 diabetes.

Pediatric endocrinologists' management of children with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE To understand physician behaviors and attitudes in managing children with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A survey was mailed to a nationwide sample of pediatric endocrinologists (PEs). RESULTS A total of 40% of PEs surveyed responded (211 of 527). Concordance with current monitoring guidelines varied widely, ranging from 36% (foot care) to 93% (blood pressure monitoring). Given clinical vignettes addressing hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and microalbuminuria, only 34% of PEs were fully concordant with current treatment guidelines. Reported barriers included concerns about patient adherence, insufficient scientific evidence about treatment, and lack of familiarity with current recommendations. Providers aged < or =45 years or in clinical practice <10 years reported significantly more aggressive management behaviors and had higher concordance with guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Screening and management of pediatric type 2 diabetes varied widely among PEs, suggesting opportunities for quality improvement. More aggressive management of type 2 diabetes among younger providers may be related to recent training when type 2 diabetes was more common.