Prediabetes is a medical term signifying a person is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, a serious condition in which a person cannot properly regulate blood sugars because of insulin resistance. Once a child has been diagnosed with prediabetes, he can try to control the situation by making positive lifestyle choices such as losing excess weight and getting more exercise. Prediabetes often has no symptoms, but some signs may be noticeable. In many cases, though, the first noticeable symptoms are signs of type 2 diabetes.
Acanthosis Nigricans
The only true sign of prediabetes is patches of skin that become noticeably darker, a condition called acanthosis nigricans. These patches often develop on the neck, armpits, knees, knuckles and elbows, according to the Mayo Clinic. In some cases, the neck may appear to have a dark ring around it because of acanthosis nigricans. If a doctor notices these skin discolorations on your child, he may order a test to determine if she has prediabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes Symptoms
In many cases, prediabetes may not produce any noticeable symptoms in your child. Once the condition has progressed, however, type 2 diabetes symptoms may become apparent. Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include extreme thirst and hunger, frequent urination, frequent or recurrent infections, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, irritability, slow-healing cuts and wounds, blurred vision, and a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, according to the American Diabetes Association. In many cases, these symptoms are dismissed as something that is temporary or isn't serious. However, if your child exhibits these signs and symptoms, he should be evaluated by his pediatrician. Early diagnosis of diabetes reduces the risk of developing complications.
Diagnosis
Because it produces no symptoms, prediabetes is typically diagnosed based on the results of a blood test. Two tests are typically used--a glucose-tolerance test or a fasting glucose test. The fasting glucose test measures a person's glucose level after a fasting period of eight hours. The glucose tolerance tests measures a person's glucose level after fasting and then consuming a sugary drink. Based on the results of these tests, your child's doctor will be able to tell if your child is insulin resistant, which means she is prediabetic. Doctors often will order these tests if your child is at risk for becoming prediabetic or developing type 2 diabetes. Risk factors include being overweight, not being physically active, and having a parent or sibling who has type 2 diabetes.
