Bridging the gaps in pediatric diabetes care and awareness

Each November, National Diabetes Month serves as a reminder of the growing prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents. Although type 1 diabetes remains the most common form in pediatrics, the incidence of type 2 diabetes is rising at an alarming rate, particularly among youth with obesity, limited physical activity, or a family history of the condition.¹ Early recognition, patient education, and coordinated care are critical to reducing the burden of disease and preventing long-term complications.²

Pediatricians are often the first point of contact when symptoms emerge. Increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue remain key warning signs of hyperglycemia, yet these symptoms are sometimes overlooked or attributed to other causes. Nearly 1 in 5 children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes present with diabetic ketoacidosis at onset, underscoring the need for timely recognition and diagnosis.³

Management of pediatric diabetes extends far beyond glycemic control. For children and their families, the diagnosis represents a lifelong adjustment affecting nutrition, school routines, mental health, and social interactions. Comprehensive care requires collaboration among pediatric endocrinologists, dietitians, diabetes educators, mental health professionals, and school nurses.

Equity also remains a critical concern. Minority youth—particularly Black, Hispanic, and Native American children—continue to face higher rates of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and are more likely to experience complications or hospitalization.^4,5 Social determinants of health, including access to nutritious foods, safe environments for exercise, and consistent medical follow-up, must be addressed alongside clinical management.⁶

As technology evolves, innovations such as continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery systems are improving outcomes and quality of life for many patients. Yet awareness, prevention, and education remain the foundation of pediatric diabetes care. Pediatricians can lead this effort by promoting healthy lifestyles, screening at-risk patients, supporting families after diagnosis, and advocating for equitable access to care—ensuring that every child with diabetes has the opportunity for a healthier future.⁷

References

1. National diabetes statistics report. CDC. May 15, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html
2. Trends in diabetes among young people. CDC. May 15, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data-research/research/trends-new-diabetes-cases-young-people.html
3. Perng W, Conway R, Mayer-Davis E, Debelea D. Youth-onset type 2 diabetes: the epidemiology of an awakening. Diabetes Care. 2023;46(3):490-499. doi:10.2337/dci22-0046
4. Van Beusekom M. Type 2 diabetes rates in US youth rose 62% after COVID pandemic began, study suggests. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota. September 22, 2023. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/type-2-diabetes-rates-us-youth-rose-62-after-covid-pandemic-began-study-suggests
5. Preventing type 2 diabetes in kids. CDC. May 15, 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention-type-2/type-2-diabetes-in-kids.html
6. Diabetes statistics. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated January 2024. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/diabetes-statistics
7. Cooney E. Nearly 1 in 3 teens have prediabetes, CDC finds, in 'wake-up call.' Stat. July 9, 2025. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.statnews.com/2025/07/09/prediabetes-in-teens-cdc-says-nearly-one-in-three-teenagers-at-risk-of-type-2-diabetes/