Type 2 Diabetes in Children

Did You Know? Diabetes kills more Americans than AIDS & breast cancer combined

Adult-Onset Diabetes – Not Just For Adults Anymore 

More Than 80% of Children & Adolescents With Type 2 Diabetes Are Overweight

Winter break – the time of year when children are enjoying extended time with family. Unfortunately, easy access to sugary foods and a lack of physical activity has led to an increase in Type 2 Diabetes among American children. Formerly known as Adult-Onset Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic illness with serious complications if not managed properly.  

Please share this guide with parents so they can understand the condition, and can be proactive in helping to prevent and manage Type 2 Diabetes in their children. 

01 | Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes does not allow cells to properly use insulin; this condition is called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance leads to increased blood glucose levels resulting in hyperglycemia. Over time, complications can arise affecting many of the body’s organs.  

02 | Prevention

By the year 2050, it is estimated that one in three people will have diabetes. Minorities are at an even higher risk; however, there are steps that can be taken to help prevent your child from developing this disease:

• Control your child’s weight with a healthy diet
  • Encourage your child to drink water and to avoid sugary beverages
  • Provide plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Limit fast food, starches and sugars
• Be active with your child
  • Walking and bicycling
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Park further from your destination
  • Join a local gym or activity center

03 | Management

In the event that your child is diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, there is much you can do to manage the condition. As with prevention, controlling your child’s weight and diet are critical to treating the disease. Doing so ensures that blood sugar levels are kept within their target range. Your medical provider may recommend working with a registered dietitian to design a meal plan tailored to the specific needs of your child. Medications may also be prescribed to help maintain a safe blood glucose level. At times, proper diet and exercise can eliminate the need for medication. 

04 | Awareness

Whether you have a child, family member or friend suffering from diabetes, you can promote awareness by spending time participating in physical activities with youth, supporting local events and providing support to those suffering from this condition.  For more resources on childhood diabetes, visit: http://www.diabetes.org/advocacy/take-action/   

References

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/children-and-type-2/?loc=lwd-slabnav 

http://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/diabetes-13/misc-diabetes-news-181/type-2-diabetes-and-kids-the-growing-epidemic-644152.html