Youth and Type 2 Diabetes: Recognition, Prevalence, Risks and Treatment Strategies

Rates of new cases of type 2 diabetes in youth continue to increase. Additionally, youth diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are developing early diabetes related complications that are also more serious compared to individuals who develop diabetes as adults. This session will explore the onset of T2dm in youth, associated risk factors, health risks/complications, and prevention strategies. Treatment recommendations examined will include weight awareness, physical activity, MNT, pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and age/culturally appropriate communication. Case studies will be used to provide opportunities for critical thinking and application of knowledge.

CPE Level: 2
CPEUs: 1.0

Performance Indicators:

• 10.3.4 Selects interventions intended to resolve or improve nutrition diagnoses.
• 8.1.5 Demonstrates knowledge of nutrient requirements throughout the lifespan, and their role in health promotion and disease prevention.
• 10.4.6 Monitors responses and effects of nutrition-related drugs and takes required action to make modifications or adjustments to treatment plans.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain the associated risk factors and increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in youth.
2. Identify early and late complications associated with diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in youth.
3. Apply youth diabetes prevention and glucose management strategies to include weight, physical activity, MNT, pharmaceuticals, surgeries, and age/culturally appropriate communication.

Speakers

Linda Yarrow, PhD, RDN, LD, CDCES, is the Clinical RDN for Clay County Medical Center (CCMC), a critical access hospital in Clay Center, Ks. Linda is also an Instructor at Kansas State University where she teaches MNT for both campus and distance courses. She has presented at numerous state and national conferences and has been published in national peer-reviewed journals. Linda has received numerous awards to include the K-State Presidential Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching as well as being nationally recognized with the USDA Excellence in College and University Teaching.

Kimberly Christy, RDN, LD, CLC has been a registered dietitian for over 10 years and is currently employed by Ashtabula County Community Action Agency where she works with the WIC program, senior nutrition programs, and provides nutrition consults at a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation specialty hospital and addiction recovery centers. In 2021 Kimberly opened her own practice where she works with persons with intellectual developmental disabilities. Kimberly is also active in the Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group. She is currently working on her Masters degree in public health from Kent State University.