Type 2 Diabetes mellitus in a Nigerian child: a case report

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus initially said to be an adult disease is now reported in children and adolescents in the developed countries because of increased incidence of obesity and sedentary habits associated with westernization and lifestyle changes. There is a paucity of reports from Africa Method: A 9year old overweight female with a BMI of 28kg/m2 and a strong family history of DM in at least two generations presented with polyuria and weight loss. The mother had gestational diabetes and is on oral hypoglycaemics. Fasting blood sugar was 11.9 mol/l. Urinalysis had +1 of glucose, no ketones. She was managed with diet control and exercise. Result: The patient has remained euglycaemic in the past two months without drugs and is losing weight. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is being reported in an obese Nigerian child with a family history of DM and high socio-economic class. Routine screening of overweight children with a family history of DM is recommended.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, obese, Nigerian, child

African Health Sciences 2011; 11(3): 454 - 456