There are two major forms of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as “juvenile” diabetes, is the form of diabetes that has historically most likely to be detected in the young.

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes, formerly known as “adult-onset” diabetes, is responsible for 90-95 percent of diabetes cases. It had historically been detected in older people. Ominously, however, as the obesity epidemic has reached alarming levels in children and adolescents, we are seeing more and more type 2 diabetes being diagnosed in young people.

Fortunately, NIDDK-funded research has shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed in adults, and an ongoing study is examining whether a similar approach can be used in children at risk of developing the disease.