[From obesity to type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents].

Obesity has a prevalence of 15-16% among subjects aged 6-17 yr. in United States as well as in Europe. Another 10 to 15% of children and adolescents appear to be at risk of obesity. The presence of type 2 diabetes among adolescents in our country represents a challenge from both a screening and a therapeutic point of view. In addition to obesity, a positive familial history, puberty, ethnic susceptibility as well as conditions known to exhibit insulin resistance (acanthosis nigricans, dislipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome) represent majors risk factors. Detecting subjects at risk among a large number of obese children appear to be a critical step. Therapy of type 2 diabetes requires as important means as those set for type I diabetes, taking into account the fact that both types of diabetes share the same vascular complications.