Twenty years ago it was quite unusual for children to contract type 2 diabetes or adult onset diabetes as it used to be known. It was more common for them to contract type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes. The names of the diseases tended to suggest the age of the person that contracted the disease but this is no longer valid, hence the change in names. Children are just as likely to become type 2 diabetics as they are type 1 so what has changed over the last 20 years ?
The argument that seems to have resonated with people most to explain this situation is the sedentary lifestyles that children now lead. This has been validated by the fact that type 2 diabetes in children seems to be a predominantly first world phenomenon. The argument goes that children do not play as children of yesteryear used to and thus do not get the required exercise. They spend much of their free time watching television, playing video games or on the computer. Couple this with diets that include fast food and ready meals that can be high in fat and calories but low in nutrition and you can see that there are more overweight children. The increase in type 2 diabetes seems to have coincided with this increase in overweight children hence the connection.
Type 2 Diabetes, that 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. The best treatment for it is simply a planned diet and regular exercise. Insulin replacement therapy, whereby the person injects insulin into the body depending on blood sugar levels, is not always needed.
As research continues into Type 2 Diabetes in children it is believed that more complications can occur in children with this form of the disease than type 1.
Early stages of Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. Insulin resistance means that the body still produces insulin but that the insulin is either ineffective in reducing blood sugar levels or the body can't produce enough insulin to support the body's needs.
Insulin is the hormone that controls the level of sugar in the blood. Insulin is used to convert glucose in the blood into energy that the body needs to function. A by-product of this process is that the glucose in the blood is reduced. If this level can't be reduced, as in types 1 and 2 diabetes then the child is at risk to immediate complications such as ketoacidosis or hypersmolar syndrome and in later life, complications like heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, limb amputation and blindness.
Treatments such as regular exercise and diabetic diet plans can greatly reduce the risk of health complications at a later date. Whilst an exercise plan should be done in conjunction with a healthy diet, it is essential for children with Type 2 diabetes that a diet is followed.
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.
The two primary aims of a diet and exercise plan are to control the level of sugar in the blood and to lose weight. If the plan can be followed diligently then both of these goals can be met. As little as half an hour per day of exercise is recommended. A diet should be worked out with a health professional or dietitian. Drugs that control the production of glucose or improve the effectiveness of insulin can also be used to help control the disease.
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 2 Diabetes can be delayed or prevented.
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