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Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes in Japan: Similarities and Differences from Type 2 Diabetes in Other Pediatric Populations

  • Pediatric Type 2 and Monogenic Diabetes (PS Zeitler and O Pinhas-Hamiel, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To review clinical characteristics of pediatric type 2 diabetes in Japan.

Recent Findings

It is well recognized that Asian populations, particularly the Japanese, have a higher incidence of childhood type 2 diabetes. Of note, most Asian populations show a higher incidence of pediatric type 2 diabetes than that of type 1 diabetes. However, a current report in the USA demonstrated a dramatic increase in the incidence of young people with type 2 diabetes in recent years. The USA could have a much higher incidence of type 2 diabetes than Japan, possibly due to environmental and behavioral factors. The clinical features of Japanese young people with type 2 diabetes might have some differences from type 2 diabetes in other pediatric populations. Japanese children with type 2 diabetes are likely to be thinner than Caucasian children. Approximately 10–15% Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes exhibit normal weight with milder insulin resistance and substantial insulin secretion failure. Autoimmunity is not associated with the etiology of type 2 diabetes.

Summary

Some genetic background and environmental factors, different from those in Caucasians, could play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes in Japanese children. Considering these characteristics, we must consider adequate therapy and management for young people with type 2 diabetes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Nihon University School of Medicine, 1-6 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8309, Japan

    Tatsuhiko Urakami

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  1. Tatsuhiko Urakami
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Correspondence to Tatsuhiko Urakami.

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Tatsuhiko Urakami declares that he has no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pediatric Type 2 and Monogenic Diabetes

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Urakami, T. Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes in Japan: Similarities and Differences from Type 2 Diabetes in Other Pediatric Populations. Curr Diab Rep 18, 29 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-018-0999-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-018-0999-z

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