Double Diabetes
When a person has elements of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, they're being said to have "double" or "hybrid" diabetes,1 a phenomenon that is being watched closely as it's on the rise among youth.2
Double diabetes can occur if:
• A person with type 1 diabetes gains weight and their body becomes less sensitive to insulin. Insulin resistance is a key trait of type 2 diabetes.3 They may need more insulin to control their blood sugar, as well as develop other type 2 complications such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.2
• A person diagnosed with type 2 diabetes develops the antibodies that impair the body's insulin-producing beta cells.3 Doctors think this may be because weight gain and insulin resistance might trigger the onset of type 1 in people who are already genetically predisposed to diabetes.1
Unfortunately, the insulin resistance and other issues associated with type 2 can significantly increase their risk of heart disease.4
Because insulin use is associated with weight gain,5 it's important for people who use insulin to understand the importance of eating well and staying physically active. The same goes for all overweight youth, who may be able to avoid any type of diabetes through changes to their diet and increased exercise.5 Managing weight is the key to preventing double diabetes.2
If you think your child may be at risk for double diabetes, talk to your healthcare team. They can help you and your child learn more about the importance of eating well, using insulin properly, and getting more active to control weight gain.
1 American Diabetes Association. "'Adult Onset' Diabetes Finding Way to Children." DOC News. Vol 3, Number 8, p. 1. August 1, 2006. Available at: http://intl-docnews.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/3/8/1. Accessed May 10, 2007.
2 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International. "Study Shows Most New Cases of Diabetes in Children Are Type 1 Research Also Shows Type 1 Diabetes Found in All Races and Reports Rise of "Double Diabetes" in Youth." Available at: http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=104776. Accessed May 9, 2007.
3 Children with Diabetes. "Double Diabetes Summary." Available at: http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/type2/t2_dd.htm. Accessed May 9, 2007.
4 ScienceDaily. "Type 1 Diabetics Can Get 'Double Diabetes' from Insulin Resistance, Says University of Pittsburgh." Available at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/04/030425071101.htm. Accessed May 9, 2007.
5 MedicineNet.com. "'Double Diabetes' a New Threat." Available at: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=77891. Accessed May 9, 2007.