Early Detection of Type 2 Diabetes In Children and Adolescents

By Lorinda L. Coan, RDH, MS, Angela Wooton, PhD, RN, FNP-C, Amanda R. Reddington, LDH, MHA, CDA, EFDA, Lynne Melchior, MSN, ACNP-BC, CDE

Obesity rates among United States children and adolescents are consistently rising, resulting in an increase in type 2 diabetes. Approximately 208,000 children younger than 20 are diagnosed with diabetes.¹ The World Health Organization estimates that 90% of these 208,000 have type 2 diabetes.² Children with poorly controlled glucose levels are at increased risk for periodontal diseases.³ Early detection of diabetes mellitus is vital for periodontal disease prevention and some of the first clinical signs of diabetes may be notable during routine dental examinations. Collaborative efforts between dental and medical team members can increase the likelihood of early diabetes detection and help to prevent oral health complications.

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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