Type 2 Diabetes in Children (cont.) IN THIS ARTICLE The exact
cause of type 2 diabetes is not known. But experts believe the
disease develops in children the same way it does in adults. The
body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, or it
cannot correctly use the insulin available (insulin resistance).
Either or both of these conditions lead to excess sugar
(glucose) in the blood. Insulin resistance occurs when the
body's cells do not correctly use insulin, which helps control
the amount of glucose in the blood. The body then needs more
insulin to control blood sugar levels. The pancreas produces
more insulin to try to keep blood sugar levels normal. If it
cannot produce enough insulin, blood sugar rises, and diabetes
may develop. Factors that affect the body's resistance to
insulin in childhood include: Too little insulin Normally, the
pancreas produces more insulin than usual during puberty to
support the rapid growth of the child. If the body cannot
produce enough insulin to meet its needs, diabe