Which type of diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in children?

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is the most commonly diagnosed type of diabetes in children. This autoimmune condition leads to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in little to no insulin production. The onset typically occurs in childhood or adolescence, and symptoms often present abruptly, including excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue.

In contrast, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, while increasingly seen in children, is more prevalent in adolescents and typically associated with obesity and lifestyle factors. Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is not relevant for children. Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a rare, genetic form of diabetes that generally presents later in life and is less common in the pediatric population.

The distinguishing factors make Type 1 the predominant form of diabetes diagnosed in the younger age group, reinforcing the importance of awareness and early detection in pediatric patients.