Obesity and diabetes mellitus

Over the past decade diabetes type 2 has become a major health problem in American children, particulary in the 10-19 year old age group, and among young people in other parts of the world, associated with increasing rates of obesity. Paediatricians need to familiarize themselves with treatment options that differ from those for type 1 of the disease. Focus should be placed on prevention, particularly life style strategies. School should play a more important role in detection, prevention and treatment of this disease.