Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in childhood and adolescence

Non-insulin-dependent forms of diabetes mellitus are being recognized with increased frequency among children and adolescents. Several sub-types of NIDDM can occur in childhood and involve different pathophysiologic mechanisms. Defects in sensing of serum glucose concentrations, abnormalities in insulin secretion, insulin resistance in target tissues, and secretion of abnormal insulin molecules can result in the common endpoint of NIDDM. Because patients with NIDDM are frequently asymptomatic for prolonged periods of time, recognition of these disorders and screening of individuals in high-risk groups is important.