Physical examination for type 2 diabetes in a child

Content provided by Healthwise

If your doctor suspects that your child has diabetes, he or she will do a complete physical examination. The doctor will:

Measure your child's height and weight and compare them with what is considered normal for the child's age. The doctor also may calculate your child's body mass index (BMI).
Check your child's blood pressure.
Check your child's eyes.
Feel the neck when your child swallows, to check the thyroid gland . Thyroid problems sometimes develop in people with diabetes.
Listen to your child's heart and lung sounds.
Check your child's skin for signs of dehydration, such as loose skin, a dry mouth, or sunken eyeballs. The doctor also will check for a skin condition called acanthosis nigricans.
Examine your child's feet for sores or injuries.
Examine your child's nervous system by checking his or her reflexes and by checking how he or she feels touch.
Examine the abdomen for signs of an enlarged liver.

Credits

Print Email SHARE

Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stephen LaFranchi, MD - Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology
Last Updated	July 28, 2008

Last updated:	July 28, 2008
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Stephen LaFranchi, MD - Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.