American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Treating Children with Type 2 Diabetes
For the first time, doctors have received a road map for treating children who have developed Type 2 diabetes in the hopes of preventing further injury. Since children have been a large part of the growing obesity epidemic, it has been difficult to determine if their detected diabetes is indeed Type 2. Following a test of the islet antibodies, doctors are recommended to follow this course of treatment in children:
- prescribe lifestyle choices like exercise and better food choices
- monitor hemoglobin A1c levels to determine if further changes are needed
- self monitoring of blood glucose levels
- increased nutrition counseling to educate children on their lifestyle choices
- encourage children to exercise outside and play at least 60 minutes per day
These are considered moderate treatment options for Type 2 diabetes. Should children not respond to doctors' treatment, there is a very real chance that they could suffer further injury as the result of their Type 2 diabetes requiring escalation of treatment.
The Dangers of Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes can be very dangerous to children. If left untreated, or if children do not adhere to recommended treatments, they could suffer serious injury and experience the following complications:
- glaucoma, cataracts
- numbness in the feet
- heart disease
- hearing loss
- high blood pressure
- diabetic coma
- amputation
- nerve damage
- stroke
- death
More Rigorous Treatments that Can Be Dangerous
When more rigorous treatment is called for, often doctors prescribe pills. One such common pill is Actos, prescribed to Type 2 diabetes patients. Actos can be dangerous to patients because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned it has been linked to reports of both bladder cancer and congestive heart failure. There is currently ongoing litigation on behalf of clients who claim they developed bladder cancer as a result of taking Actos.
If your child has Type 2 diabetes, it is important to get them the help they need before treatment needs to be escalated to prevent further injury. If you've been injured by your Type 2 diabetes medication, you should consult a skilled product liability attorney to protect your rights.
