Children with Type 2 Diabetes at Risk of Eye Disease
A study showed that кids with type 2 diabetes are nearly twice as likely than those with type 1 diabetes to develop diabetic retinopathy within 15 years of their diagnosis. According to experts, frequent ophthalmologist check ups are more important than ever for these children, experts say, as these exams could help spot the eye disease before serious damage is done.
Both types of diabetes have been on the rise among children in the U.S., with the rate of type 2 diabetes increasing more rapidly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Diabetes Association projects that the number of young people with type 1 diabetes will triple and those with type 2 diabetes will nearly quadruple by the year 2050.
The study followed 525 children diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes for 50 years. Over time, a trend emerged: Children with type 2 diabetes were more likely than those with type 1 to develop diabetic retinopathy — and their eye disease was much more serious. They were also more likely to need retinal surgery to save their vision, and they had a higher risk of cataracts.
