How should we treat type 2 diabetes in youth?

The worldwide increase of type 2 diabetes in youth is a critical problem. It is important to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals. In many patients with type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia can be reduced with appropriate changes in diet and exercise. However, some patients with persistent HbA1c levels >7.5% need pharmacological therapy to improve their metabolic control. A variety of oral hypoglycemic agents, including alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, sulfonylureas and metformin, are available. Metformin is widely used in pediatric patients and is considered to be the most effective oral agent. In some cases, combination therapy with metformin and sulfonylureas or use of insulin is more effective to stabilize glycemia. The approach to insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes often differs from that used in type 1 diabetes. The therapeutic approach to childhood type 2 diabetes should be individually tailored.