Mechanisms and Drivers of Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents
M. Constantine Samaan *
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Jiaji Xia
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Jetan Badhiwala
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The rates of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents are rising globally, and this is closely linked to the obesity epidemic that is affecting millions of youth around the world. In this review, we examine the differences between type 1 diabetes and T2D, and highlight the mechanisms involved in T2D development including genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. We also highlight the role of inflammation in causing insulin resistance, one of the main drivers of T2D genesis.
Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, obesity, Immunometabolism, inflammation, cytokines, children