Type 2 Diabetes – Diabetes in Teens and Young Adults

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that can affect anyone. It does not matter about your age, sex, or race. According to research, if diabetes continues to grow at the current rates, there will be around 3 million Australians over the age of 25 that will have diabetes by the year 2025.

And sadly this figure does not include the diabetes that is diagnosed in teens and young adults. When a teen or young adult has type 2 diabetes, it is important to consider that the rapid mental, physical and emotional growth can add to the challenge in managing this disease.

Just been a teen is hard enough, but to have type 2 diabetes as well is not easy, especially when they have to remember to take their medications, monitor their blood sugar levels and follow a strict diet. This can become quite hard not just for the teens but for the parents as well.

After a while most teens and young adults will not stick to their new way of life with type 2 diabetes because they want to fit in with the rest of the crowd. This is understandable as they are getting pressure from their friends and it can really have an adverse effect on them.

It is important to remember that psychologically teens and young adults will test their limits, which unfortunately includes their type 2 diabetes. More than likely at some point they will refuse to stick to their diet, monitor their blood sugar levels and not worry about their medication.

The worst part about this is that the consequences of these actions will result in hospitalisation. These actions can lead to complications of this disease that can be fatal. As a parent you need to find out why they are refusing to take care of themselves and help them get back on track.

One thing to keep in mind is that hormones that cause puberty can eventually affect the blood glucose levels. This can become quite unpredictable and will make it much harder to manage type 2 diabetes. So before laying blame on your teen, find out first if the hormones at fault with the high or low blood glucose levels.

It is important to realise that these are the challenges that you will face when you are living with a teen or young adult that has type 2 diabetes. Just remember that with patience and perseverance your teen or young adult can and will be able to live a normal life with type 2 diabetes.