<p>Until recently, the common type of diabetes in children and teens was <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype1.html">type 1</a>. It was called juvenile diabetes. With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose,or sugar, get into your cells to give them energy. Without insulin, too much <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/bloodglucose.html">sugar</a> stays in the blood.</p> <p>Now younger people are also getting <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype2.html">type 2 diabetes</a>. Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes. But now it is becoming more common in children and teens, due to more <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/obesityinchildren.html">obesity</a>. With Type 2 diabetes, the body does not make or use insulin well.</p> <p>Children have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes if they are overweight or have obesity, have a family history of diabetes, or are not active. Children who are African American, Hispanic, Native American/Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander also have a higher risk. To lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in children:</p><ul> <li>Have them maintain a healthy weight</li> <li>Be sure they are physically active</li> <li>Have them eat smaller portions of healthy foods</li> <li>Limit time with the TV, computer, and video</li> </ul> <p>Children and teens with type 1 diabetes may need to take insulin. Type 2 diabetes may be controlled with diet and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/exerciseforchildren.html">exercise</a>. If not, patients will need to take oral <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetesmedicines.html">diabetes medicines</a> or insulin. A blood test called the <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/a1c.html">A1C</a> can check on how you are managing your diabetes.</p>