Within the last decade, the number of teens having or who are at risk for type 2 diabetes has nearly tripled, and the causes are obvious. Marcie Fraser reports.

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"Children in particular tend to gravitate more toward the simple carbohydrates, the sweet the treat, snacks,” said pediatrician Dr. Manny Cirenza.

Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes, typically occurs during adolescence. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs after adolescence and is caused by overeating.

"Type 2 diabetes, the receptors in the cells have been so flooded with insulin, trying to control their blood sugar that their body's blood cells, body tissue, has been so resistant to insulin that they are now more insulin resistant," said Dr. Cirenza.

Unlike type 1, type 2 diabetes can be managed without medicine.

"It can be treated with diet, sugar or carbohydrate lowering drugs, exercise, weight loss," said Dr. Cirenza.

Signs your child may be on the road to diabetes?

"Any time a child is drinking a lot, urinating a lot, losing weight," explained Dr. Cirenza.

A physical sign may include a rash.

"Acanthosis nigracans. It is a rash that is marked by rough, thick, dark skin on the back of the skin and come into the front and many times many times people think the child hasn't scrubbed their neck well enough and have dirt there but you can't scrub it off. It is a rash but it comes from the pre-diabetic condition," said Dr. Cirenza.

Once a teenager is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, managing it is critical for that teen as they enter adulthood, as they could face a life filled with medical problems.

"Hypertension, a risk of stroke risk for parasentisis or loss of sensation," said Dr. Cirenza.