Teen Controls Type 2 Diabetes Through Healthier Lifestyle Changes

National Diabetes Awareness Month is a reminder from doctors that type 2 diabetes is not limited to adults.

Children can develop the condition as well, and in many cases it progresses more quickly in younger patients, sometimes leading to organ damage before they reach high school graduation.

For eighth grader Grace Cashion, the problem began as a stomachache.

“It would hurt really bad, and we just couldn’t figure out what it was,” Grace recalled.

The discomfort lasted for months. When her mother brought her to a doctor, tests showed elevated blood sugar, and Grace was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

“Definitely a shock to hear that, going from stomach upset to that diagnosis,” her mother said.

A few changes make a big difference

Dr. Leena Mamilly at Nationwide Children’s Hospital prescribed insulin to help Grace control her blood sugar.

“By the time youth are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, there is a large percentage of the body’s own ability to produce insulin that has been damaged,” Mamilly explained.

Grace also worked with a dietitian, who helped her family change the way they ate. Instead of making carbohydrates the center of every meal, they added more vegetables and protein.

“Instead of having the carb as the main thing, we had that as a side and have the veggies, the protein and stuff like that as the main course,” her mother explained.

The changes paid off.

Within a few months, Grace’s continuous glucose monitor showed improvement in her blood sugar readings. Before long, she no longer needed insulin.

“I hate taking shots, like the insulin was hard to do. So I’m glad I’m off of that now,” Grace said.

Getting the whole family involved

About 8 million American teenagers have prediabetes, which means their blood sugar is above normal but not yet high enough for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Mamilly says healthier daily habits can help reverse prediabetes.

She recommends an hour of physical activity each day, reducing sugary drinks and processed foods, and eating more vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

She says the most effective approach is for the entire household to take part.

“Those interventions or changes are better done as a family,” Mamilly said.

Looking toward the future

Grace still has type 2 diabetes. Although the disease cannot be reversed, she has learned how to manage it without insulin.

She is also feeling optimistic about what comes next.

“I’m excited to see what I will be like in the future because I’m doing all these changes,” Grace said.