Child obesity diabetes risk probe

Childhood obesity has doubled in the last 20 years

A study to establish the extent of type 2 diabetes in children has been launched.

This type of diabetes is most commonly seen in adults who are overweight.

But a growing number of cases are being seen in children, something doctors suspect is linked to the growth in childhood obesity.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health nine-month study will also aim to help doctors distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children.

It is hoped the findings will lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment.

Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults with about three quarters of the 1.8m people with diabetes having type 2.

This research will ensure we understand the scale and causes of the problem, allowing local health services to provide better treatment for those diagnosed. Penny Williams

Type 2, or non-insulin dependent diabetes is the most common form of the disease. It usually occurs in people who are over the age of 45 and overweight.

Type 2 sufferers do not make enough insulin, or are unable to make proper use of it.

Without enough insulin, the body cannot move blood sugar into the cells. Sugar builds up in the bloodstream and causes health problems.

People with type 1 diabetes, which usually occurs in children or young adults, are usually unable to produce any insulin at all.

Linda Haines, head of research at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said "The total number of obese children has doubled since 1982 and, on current trends, half of all children will be obese by 2020.

"Given the growing obesity problem, the link between childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes will be examined in this study."

She said she the study should identify the differences in symptoms between the two types of diabetes.

'Casual link'

"If we can achieve that then more children will be diagnosed with the right type of diabetes earlier and, therefore, the right treatment can be started earlier."

Dr Stephen Rose, a consultant paediatrician at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital said: "There is a very good correlation between obesity and type 2 diabetes so its suggestive of a casual link.

"But there is no direct link. You can have obese children who do not have diabetes so there must be something else going on. It is probably something genetic."

During the study, paediatricians and nurses will report all cases of type 2 diabetes and complete follow-up questionnaires, which will establish the progress of each case and detail the treatment given.

Penny Williams, care advisor at the charity Diabetes UK, which is funding the study, said the rise in childhood diabetes was "worrying".

"This research will ensure we understand the scale and causes of the problem, allowing local health services to provide better treatment for those diagnosed.

"It may also help us prevent many cases from developing."