Preventing Childhood Obesity in Diabetes: A Critical Imperative

Abstract

: Diabetes mellitus (DM) encompasses a range of chronic metabolic conditions characterized by hyperglycemia, stemming from either insulin deficiency due to pancreatic β-cell damage (T1DM) or peripheral tissue insulin resistance (T2DM). Given the importance of DM and obesity, this narrative review aimed to address the optimal screening and control of childhood obesity as the main strategies for dealing with the comorbidities of T2DM. This review underscores the critical importance of optimal screening and management of childhood obesity as primary strategies for addressing comorbidities associated with T2DM. In many cases, T2DM may remain asymptomatic for several years, leaving patients unaware of their condition or experiencing few symptoms despite having poorly controlled prediabetes or DM. Hence, it is imperative to recognize that screening for prediabetes and childhood obesity presents a crucial opportunity for intervention to avert the future development of DM and its lifelong health repercussions. Moreover, lifestyle modifications stand out as the most effective approach for preventing or delaying the onset of T2DM comorbidities and complications. It is noteworthy that reductions in mortality among people with DM, associated with current antidiabetic medications, will increase the lifetime accumulation of T2DM complications and morbidities worldwide.