Impacts of COVID and Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

Diabetes is among the most serious chronic conditions in children and teens. Unfortunately, there is an increasing prevalence of both types of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. During the last two years, COVID-19 has uniquely impacted this patient population. Stay-at-home orders have exacerbated and increased type 2 risk factors, including being overweight or physically active less than three times a week.

Listen to pediatric experts discuss the impact of COVID-19 on type 2 diabetes

In this episode, Megan Kelsey, MD, joins us to discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on kids with type 2 diabetes and how primary care providers can help support patients as they identify them in the medical home.

Dr. Kelsey is the Medical Director of Lifestyle Medicine and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital Colorado and is an Associate Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University School of Medicine.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• What we know about the risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes after COVID infection
• The role of mental health and treating depression with behavioral therapy to improve insulin sensitivity
• Possible biological component whereby COVID affects beta cells in the pancreas
• Differences among racial and ethnic minorities
• Asymptomatic and symptomatic trends in cases seen during the pandemic
• Diabetes screening recommendations for providers

Stay up to date with the latest on COVID-19

Experts at Children’s Colorado are committed to maintaining important and timely information for providers during the pandemic. Check back regularly for frequent updates to our COVID-19 resources for healthcare professionals.