Check for Diabetes at Age 10

By the time children are learning their multiplication tables, they may need to be screened for diabetes.

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston report that overweight children with two or more risk factors for the disorder should be screened starting at age 10.

"Signs that parents can look for include frequent urination, constant thirst, weight loss and/or a darkening or "ring" around the neck also known as acanthosis nigricans," said Dr. Siripoom McKay, an assistant professor of pediatrics, endocrinology and metabolism at Baylor.

The American Diabetic Association reports that prior to 1990, type 2 diabetes accounted for less than five percent of diabetes in children. Today, more than 20 percent of all newly diagnosed diabetic children have type 2 diabetes.

Dr. McKay said physical activity among children has decreased due to changes in society, school and lifestyle.

Diabetes puts a person at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, poor circulation and infections of the feet and legs that can result in amputation, Dr. McKay said. It is also the leading cause of blindness and kidney failure in the U.S. Treatment includes medication, insulin and lifestyle changes.

"The good news is that in many cases, parents can help protect their children through prevention," Dr. McKay said. "This includes increasing exercise, decreasing the number of hours spent in sedentary games, and weight reduction if a child is obese."

Overweight children with family histories of diabetes, and who are of African-American, Mexican, American Indian, or Asian descent are at increased risk. Parents should discuss with their physician whether their child should be tested for diabetes.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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