Diabetics must monitor their blood sugar levels frequently. Photo: AFP
Auckland paediatricians are concerned about the increasing amount of children, some as young as 10, presenting with type-2 diabetes. Research looking at 21 years of patient records from Starship's Paediatric Diabetes has shown the rates of young Pasifika and Maori affected are 18 times higher than Pakeha. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to develop in adults, and is linked to lifestyle factors. To discuss why is it on the rise in children and what can be done about it - Starship paediatric endocrinologist, Craig Jefferies and consultant paediatrician for Kidz First, Dr Teuila Percival. She is also a board director for the Pasifika Medical Association.
