Insulin is a hormone that takes sugar (called glucose) from your bloodstream and delivers it into your body’s cells to be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, your child’s body creates insulin but either doesn’t produce enough or doesn’t use it well. This causes your child to have high blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious health complications over time.
Managing your child’s type 2 diabetes means paying careful attention to their eating, drinking, and exercise habits. Your child may also need to take medicine or insulin injections. The Duke Children’s diabetes care team is experienced in working with children of all ages and their families. We’ll ensure your child gets the best-quality medical care and has the understanding and support they need to control their blood sugar, lose weight, and adopt healthy lifestyle practices to manage their diabetes.