Type 2 diabetes in adolescence – unearthed at the time of registration with the general practitioner (GP)

Type 2 diabetes, or non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is often considered to be a diagnosis of adulthood. We present a 13 year old boy who was noted to have glycosuria on routine general practitioner (GP) urine testing. Clinical examination upon referral showed massive obesity, hypertension and prominent acanthosis nigricans, and investigations confirmed hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia. Metformin and a programme of weight reduction comprise the management of this young adolescent with type 2 diabetes. Such early diagnosis should permit the institution of appropriate management to avoid the early emergence of the complications of type 2 diabetes.