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Type 2 diabetes in children and young people: the care you should expect

Type 2 diabetes in children and young people: the care you should expect

This information is about type 2 diabetes. We have written separate information about type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes causes people to have too much sugar (glucose) in their blood. It is caused when the body cannot use a hormone called insulin as well as it should.

Diabetes puts people at risk of serious health problems with blood vessels (for example, stroke), eyes, feet, gums, heart, kidneys and nerves.

It is a lifelong condition that can affect everyday life. People with type 2 diabetes:

  • may need to change their diet and make other lifestyle changes

  • usually need to take medicines to control their blood sugar

  • will need to get regular check‑ups.

We want this guideline to make a difference to children and young people with type 2 diabetes by making sure they, and their family and carers:

  • get all the help they need to manage their diabetes, including medicines, education, and advice on diet and exercise

  • are involved in decisions about their care, such as choosing an average blood sugar target (called a HbA1c level) – the target is usually 48 mmol/mol (or 6.5%), but for some people a different target can be better

  • are encouraged to see a dentist regularly, to get checked for gum disease

  • are taught how to stop their blood sugar levels from getting too high (hyperglycaemia, or a hyper) and how to manage hypers when they happen

  • know what to do if their diabetes gets out of control and they think they have diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious illness that needs to be treated in hospital).

Making decisions together

Decisions about treatment and care are best when they are made together. Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns.

To help you make decisions, think about:

  • What matters most to you – what do you want to get out of any treatment or care?

  • What are you most worried about – are there risks or downsides to the treatment that worry you more than others?

  • How will the treatment affect your day-to-day life?

  • What happens if you do not want to have treatment?

If you need more support to understand the information you are given, tell your healthcare professional.

We have also written a guideline on improving the experience of healthcare for babies, children, young people and their families and carers.

Families and carers can find more information on the NHS website on caring for children and young people.

Read more about making decisions about your care.

  • Information Standard