Juvenile Diabetes and Obesity
Childhood obesity has significantly changed the face of Diabetes in our
children over the last 20 years. There are many conflicting arguments as to
the cause of the increase in childhood obesity and the seemingly parallel
increase in Type II Diabetes.
Lifestyle changes have been targeted as a significant factor by some,
together with changes in eating habits and poor nutrition. Today’s children
are said to have a so-called couch potato lifestyle. This is because they
are seen to spend more and more time indoors watching their favorite TV
programs or playing the latest video games. When coupled with a lack of
exercise these factors are having an adverse impact on the health of our
children.
Type II Diabetes, which is normally associated with overweight adults, is
being seen more and more often in today’s overweight children. This type of
Diabetes, which normally occurs later on in life, is sometimes known as
late-onset Diabetes or non-insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus. Frequently
it can be treated with diet and exercise, so insulin treatment is not always
needed. However research has found that Type II Diabetes in juveniles can
lead to greater complications than Type I later on in life.
Type II Diabetes occurs either when the body can’t produce enough insulin or
can’t use insulin properly. Children can then become, what is known as,
insulin resistant. When this happens, blood sugar levels increase
dramatically. As well as increasing mortality Type II Diabetes in overweight
children can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease,
nerve damage, limb amputation and blindness.
Treatments such as exercise and diet can greatly reduce the risk of health
complications at a later date. A healthy diet is essential for children with
Type II Diabetes. This should be a well balanced diet, which is low in
saturated fat, sugar and salt and high in fiber, vegetables and fruit. Foods
such as pasta, bread and cereals which are high in carbohydrates, and foods
like biscuits and fruit, should be spread out during the day to prevent
spikes in blood sugar levels after meals. A routine of regular physical
activity will help your child’s body to use insulin more efficiently. At
least half an hour of exercise on most days of the week is recommended.
If caught early enough, the disease can be treated by lifestyle changes
alone. But if this does not work there are medicines which can be used to
control the disease. There are many drugs available for children to control
the production of glucose and strengthen the effectiveness of insulin. They
can be administered in tablet form or by insulin injection.
Studies have shown the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of
childhood obesity. With simple lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and
exercise program, Type II Diabetes can be delayed or even prevented
altogether. |
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| | | friends motivated by brothers with diabetes - Arizona Republic Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:16:49 GMT+00:00 friends motivated by brothers with diabetesArizona RepublicWe were talking one day and realized that we both had brothers with type 1 (juvenile diabetes). "We had this big talk and bonded," Loren said. ...
| | | Tech grant aims to help diabetes prevention - Detroit Free Press Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:01:27 GMT+00:00 Tech grant aims to help diabetes preventionDetroit Free Press... Metro Detroit & Southeast Michigan chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, who spoke at a Detroit media briefing to announce the grant. ...and more »
| | | Juvenile diabetes is winner in wine benefit - Alton Telegraph Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:13:02 GMT+00:00 PRLog.Org (press release)Juvenile diabetes is winner in wine benefitAlton TelegraphEDWARDSVILLE - For families affected by juvenile diabetes, the illness can be quite traumatic. For one local business, it's personal. ...Munck Carter's William Munck Reappointed to Juvenile Diabetes Research ...PRLog.Org (press release)all 6 news articles »
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