OBJECTIVE: the objective of this manuscript was to perform a critical review of epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis e treatment of T2DM in youth. SOURCES OF DATA: this review is based on the relevant literature published. The sources available for the authors were integrated with sources identified through Medline database. The key words used for searching were "Type 2 Diabetes in the Youth" in the last ten years. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: the pathophysiology (altered beta-cell function and insulin resistance) of T2DM in youth is similar to adult's pathophysiology. Familiar Type 2 diabetes history, presence of obesity, acanthosis nigricans, high fasting plasma C-peptide levels and absence of islet-cell auto-antibodies are important clues to diagnostic the T2DM in youth. Five to 25% of these patients can present ketosis at diagnosis. Insulin therapy can be discontinued during the evolution. Compliance to diet and an exercise program essential aspects of the treatment of adolescents. CONCLUSION: as obesity in the young is currently increasing in several developed or developing countries, T2DM in the youth can be consider an emergent problem also in our population.
type 2 diabetes mellitus; adolescent; epidemiology
