Type 2 Diabetes: Screening for Children

Starting at age 10 or at the beginning of puberty, a child who has a Reference body mass index Opens New Window (BMI) in the 85th percentile or higher for his or her age—or whose weight is more than 120% of ideal—and who has two of the following risk factors needs to be tested for Reference type 2 diabetes Opens New Window every 3 years:^{Reference 1}

• A parent, brother, or sister with type 2 diabetes
• The child's mother developed gestational diabetes while pregnant with the child
• Hispanic, African-American, Native American, Asian-American, or Pacific Island ancestry
• Signs of not being able to use insulin properly (insulin resistance) or conditions associated with it:
  • A skin problem, Reference acanthosis nigricans Opens New Window
  • Reference High blood pressure Opens New Window
  • Reference High cholesterol Opens New Window
  • Reference Polycystic ovary syndrome Opens New Window (a hormone problem that interferes with ovulation)
  • Born small in weight and/or length

If the results of a blood glucose test mean that your child's blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at the level of diabetes (Reference prediabetes Opens New Window), the test should be repeated 3 months later to find out whether your child has developed diabetes. If your child eats a balanced diet and gets regular exercise, he or she may not develop diabetes.

For more information, see the Interactive Tool: What Is Your Child's BMI? and the topic Type 2 Diabetes in Children.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.