BOSTON -- Too much junk food and not enough exercise doesn't just make kids fat -- it's causing an epidemic of type 2 diabetes.

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Heather Unruh Reports On Study RESOURCES Read more about the study Joslin Diabetes Center Nicole Sweatman (800) 322-6323 Massachusetts General Hospital Barbara Steiner (866) 223-8644

NewsCenter 5's Heather Unruh reported that doctors never used to see that kind of diabetes in kids, but now the problem is so bad, a new national study will try to pinpoint the best way to treat it.

Jazmin Sauls, 11, was diagnosed with diabetes in August. Since then, her family has had to make some major changes.

"Less take-out, more home-cooked meals, watching the carbs and what she can and can't eat, and she can't eat starchy foods because those turn into sugar," Jazmin's mother, Lisa Henry, said.

"I've been not eating a lot of candy and sweet stuff and not drinking regular soda. I drink diet soda, no juice, and I drink water," Jazmin said.

Jazmin also joined the basketball and swim teams. All that hard work is paying off.

Jazmin's weight is down, and for now, she's not on medication. She's one of the lucky ones. There's been an explosion of type 2 diabetes in kids. Doctors blame obesity and lack of exercise.

Right now, they're treated like adults with the disease, but no one knows if that's the right approach.

"Many of these children are adult-sized, but that doesn't mean we can treat them like adults. Children metabolize drugs differently. The drugs may not work the same way in them as they do in adults," Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. David Nathan said.

A new national study -- called the "Today Study" -- will look at 750 kids age 10 through 17. One third will be given the common diabetes drug glucophage. Another third will be given glucophage and another drug not yet approved for use by children. A final group will combine glucophage with intensive lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise.

The results may someday help Jazmin and other kids facing a very adult challenge: managing a very serious disease.

"It's kind of hard for me because (it's) kind of (a) lot to do, but I just try my best to do it." Jazmin said.

The study will be carried out here at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Joslin Diabetes Center.