Final answer:
Type 2 diabetes is falsely claimed to be more common in children than adults. It is more often diagnosed in adults over 40, though rising obesity rates in children have led to an increase in younger age diagnoses. The condition is marked by insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Type 2 diabetes is more common in children than adults is false. While Type 2 diabetes can occur in children, it is typically diagnosed in adults over the age of 40. However, it is becoming more common in younger populations due to increases in childhood obesity. Currently, about 30 million Americans have Type 2 diabetes, with 90 million more having pre-diabetes, which is a precursor to the full disease and indicates higher than normal blood glucose levels that are not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where body cells no longer respond effectively to insulin. Although the pancreas may still produce insulin, the body's cells cannot use it efficiently. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity greatly increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Even with these risk factors, it is more prevalent in adults and not more common in children.