A LOOK ON DIABETES IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH: NOT ALL ARE TYPE 1

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which causes endothelial dysfunction and vascular complications, such as retinopathy, nephropathy and acute myocardial infarction. The progress in understanding the pathophysiology and clinical characteristics of diabetes, its classification has been updated since the correct classification of diabetes impacts on prognosis and treatment of the patient. Currently, diabetes is classified as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational DM and other specific types that include MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young). The aim of this review is to show that not all diabetes diagnosed in childhood and youth is type 1 DM. The correct diagnosis and classification of diabetes are primordial, since the prognosis and treatment may differ depending on the cause which predisposed the child or juvenile to disease.