The Epidemic of Kids and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes has become an epidemic, but unfortunately, it has moved from being a purely adult epidemic. We are now seeing more and more of a connection between kids and type 2 diabetes. We are seeing that today we have more and more children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Why is this?
Many that are obese are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes interferes with your body ability to process insulin correctly. This is the first thing you need to understand about the disease.
Many children who develop diabetes are diagnosed with the disease because of their family genetics. They have parents who have had a history with the disease.
It’s true that one’s genetic makeup can predispose them to having diabetes, but more and more it has been discovered that when children are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes it is due to environmental and behavioral influences. For many of today’s youth, their obesity levels have been on the rise. This is really due to the foods and exercise routine that the children are exposed to or the lack there of. Today’s grocery stores are filled with processed and sugary foods that can really wreck havoc with a child’s blood sugar levels.
Diabetes risks are increased when your child is overweight. If they have a body mass index that is higher round the 85 percentile then you should have your child tested for diabetes. Likewise, you should have your child tested if your family has a history with the disease. If your child is diagnosed at a young age it will be much easier for him to adapt to the lifestyle change.
Environmental issues and your childs diet can be adjusted through good parenting. Make sure your child is eating healthy and getting enough exercise that they need to maintain a healthy weight.