The incidence, clinical features, and treatment of type 2 diabetes in children <15 yr in a population-based cohort from Auckland, New Zealand, 1995-2007

Background The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in adolescents in most western countries. The time-course of glycemic control and impact of early treatment remain poorly understood. Objectives To determine the change in incidence of T2DM, and the time-course of glycemic control in a regional pediatric cohort with T2DM. Methods Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 52 patients with T2DM from a population-based treatment referral cohort from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2007. Results The annual incidence of new cases of T2DM in children 9% in both groups. Therapy did not affect body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS). Conclusions The incidence of T2DM in childhood or adolescence increased markedly over a 13-yr period in the Auckland region. Long-term metabolic control remains poor with current medical treatment.