Diabetes Health Center
Type 2 Diabetes in Children - Cause
The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is not known. But experts believe the disease develops in children the same way it does in adults: the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, or it cannot correctly use the insulin available ( insulin resistance). Either or both of these conditions lead to excess sugar (glucose) in the blood.
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells do not correctly use insulin, which helps control the amount of glucose in the blood. The body then needs more insulin to control blood sugar levels. The pancreas produces more insulin to try to keep blood sugar levels normal. If it cannot produce enough insulin, blood sugar rises, and diabetes may develop.
Factors that affect the body's resistance to insulin in childhood include:
- Developmental stage. Insulin resistance normally increases about 30% during puberty, probably because of the effects of growth hormone. 1
- Being female. Girls seem to develop more resistance to insulin than boys.
- Race. The body's resistance to insulin is about 30% higher in African-American teens than in white teens. 2
- Body composition. Insulin
resistance increases as the amount of
fat around the waist
increases. - Activity. Exercise may improve how the body's cells use insulin and get the sugar they need.
Too little insulin
Normally, the pancreas produces more insulin than usual during puberty to support the rapid growth of the child. If the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet its needs, diabetes develops. Over time, the pancreas may produce less and less insulin, making the diabetes worse.
More Information: |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Type 2 Diabetes in Children Topics
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Hot Topics in Diabetes
Vinegar is in everything from coleslaw to pickles. What if you could actually use it to help prevent disease?
