There is debate about the rationale and the most cost-effective strategy for screening adults for type 2 diabetes and a paucity of literature on the subject in children. Although tests exist to detect undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, these tests have not been extensively studied in this age group, and the outcomes of additional years of treatment in these screening-detected individuals are currently unknown. Despite this, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends opportunistic screening of at-risk children. The true prevalence of childhood type 2 diabetes is unknown in many countries and the natural history of the condition has not been fully delineated in this age group. This review evaluates the rationale for screening asymptomatic children and adolescents for type 2 diabetes using modified World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2008; 8: 163—168
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