Type 2 diabetes mellitus in childhood--a global perspective.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a group of diseases of different etiologies but similar symptopathology characterized by insulin resistance (insulin insensitivity) of different degrees. It can be associated with specific genetic mutations, with a series of chromosomal abnormalities, with states of lean body or obesity, the latter showing a worrying increase in incidence. The literature on the above is reviewed and a personal opinion is expressed on the prevention and treatment of the above conditions.