Type 2 diabetes in children is no longer rare. Once considered an adult disease, it is now being diagnosed in Malaysian children as young as 14, according to a recent statement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
For Dr Ch’ng Tong Wooi, Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Endocrinologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), it is a trend paediatricians have been witnessing for years. “This is more than an alarming statistic. It signals a growing public health crisis because type 2 diabetes that develops during adolescence is often far more aggressive than when it develops later in adulthood,” she says.
Teenagers diagnosed early may live with the disease for decades, raising their risk of kidney disease, heart disease, nerve damage and vision loss. This is why early detection and intervention are crucial.
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Why Is Type 2 Diabetes in Children on the Rise?
Obesity remains the biggest risk factor, but it is only part of the picture. National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2024 data shows two in three adolescents consume more than 7.5 teaspoons of free sugar daily, exceeding the recommended maximum of six teaspoons. Diets low in fruits, vegetables and dairy, sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time are also driving obesity and insulin resistance among children.
Family history also matters. One major study found 59.6% of adolescents with type 2 diabetes had a parent or sibling with diabetes, while 89% had an affected grandparent.
“Asian children can develop insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes at lower body weight than Western populations. Some children who appear healthy may be vulnerable if they have a family history or other metabolic risk factors, hence it’s important to speak to doctors promptly,” Dr Ch’ng explains.
7 Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Type 2 diabetes in children can develop quietly, with some showing few or no symptoms until picked up through screening. Dr Ch’ng advises parents to watch for:
- Persistent thirst
- Frequent urination
- Excessive hunger
- Unexplained tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Recurring skin infections
- Acanthosis nigricans: dark, velvety patches around the neck, underarms or groin that may indicate insulin resistance, sometimes mistaken for dirt or poor hygiene
Children who are overweight or obese with additional risk factors should begin screening from age 10 or after the onset of puberty, with repeat screening if risks persist.
“The window for intervention is narrower than in adults so identifying the condition early gives children the best opportunity to control their blood sugar, reduce long-term complications and potentially achieve remission,” she adds.
Healthy Habits Start at Home
While the rise of type 2 diabetes in children is worrying, Dr Ch’ng reminds parents that the disease is largely preventable, and prevention works best when the whole family is involved.
“A family-centred approach is essential. Healthy habits are much easier to sustain when everyone makes changes together, rather than singling out one child.”
That starts with simple, consistent changes: filling the plate with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, cutting back on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods, encouraging at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, limiting recreational screen time and making sure children get enough sleep. Shared meals and family activities also help children build healthier habits that last into adulthood.
Treating Type 2 Diabetes in Children: Lifestyle and Medication
Lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of treatment. Dr Ch’ng urges families not to lose hope, as advances in treatment, healthier habits and proper medical support now enable many children to manage the condition and lead healthier, more active lives.
Oral medication such as metformin may be the first-line treatment for youth-onset type 2 diabetes, while newer treatments such as GLP-1 receptor agonists are now available for selected young patients, alongside other approved medications. These are used together with healthy eating, regular physical activity and behavioural support to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
“Lifestyle changes and medication are complementary, not competing strategies. Medication helps control the disease while families work towards sustainable changes in eating habits, physical activity and other healthy behaviours,” she says.
With the right treatment and unwavering family support, children with type 2 diabetes can still reclaim their health, protect their future and grow up with every chance to live full, active lives.
Also read: Sayang, Kan? Campaign Encourages Malaysians to Approach Obesity with Care
Sources: Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (Facebook); NHMS 2024 Key Findings; Johns Hopkins Medicine; Endotext; StatPearls; ADA Standards of Care 2026; PubMed Central
