There is no gift more precious for a child than the gift of good health. A new epidemic threatens the health of children, Type 2 diabetes. Over the last decade, a 33% increase of this disease has occurred. In 1992, type 2 diabetes in children was rare, by 1994 type 2 diabetes accounted for 16% of new cases of diabetes in children in urban areas, and by 1999 it accounted for 8-45% of new cases depending on geographic area. More than $100 billion dollars are spent annually on diabetes. Imagine the impact these dollars could have if we prevent type 2 diabetes in this generation of children.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. This causes sugar or glucose to build up in the bloodstream and damage organs. Normally, eating signals the pancreas to release insulin into the blood. The insulin allows glucose to enter cells, therefore, decreasing the level of glucose in the child’s bloodstream. Glucose is a main energy source for muscles and other tissues. The food a child eats is broken down into glucose and enters the bloodstream through the digestive process. The pancreas releases insulin that allows glucose to enter and be used by cells. When the blood glucose drops, this signals the pancreas to decrease the production of insulin.
Although it is unclear why some children develop Type 2 diabetes while others are spared, risk factors include: (1) weight, (2) inactivity, (3) family history, (4) race, and (5) gender.
Being overweight and lack of physical activity are significant risk factors for Type 2 diabetes. Increased fatty tissue leads to insulin resistance. This is one of many ways that the obesity epidemic is rapidly aging our children. Exercise not only helps with weight control, it also helps burn up glucose as energy and decreases insulin resistance. The good news is if the child looses the extra weight, blood glucose levels can return to normal!
The child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases if a parent or sibling has the same disease, however, it is not clear if this is due to genetics, lifestyle practices, or a combination of both. Current studies show African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian-American children have a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes with a higher incidence in girls than boys. Why be worried about type 2 diabetes in children? Long term complications from this disease include heart attacks, heart disease, strokes, narrowing of arteries, high blood pressure, nerve problems, liver damage, kidney disease, eye damage, circulation problems, infections, and premature death.
Keep in mind children can be spared of this disease and premature death by making healthy lifestyle choices. You can empower children with these prevention strategies.
- Help your child make healthy food choices that include lots of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains. Read food labels and avoid foods with added sugars, corn syrup, and other sweeteners. Look for foods without trans fats, hydrogenated fats, or partially hydrogenated fats. Teach your child to shop healthy by buying most of your foods in the produce and fresh food sections of grocery stores. Replace sodas, sports, and energy drinks with water and low fat milk. Learn to cook and eat meals together.
- Model daily exercise with your child. Family walks to the park, biking, swimming, hiking, or just playing outside are all great ways to exercise and build family connections.
- Children need at least 60 minutes of daily exercise and it helps if they get outdoors. If you are concerned about your child’s weight, talk to your child’s doctor and discuss your child’s eating, sleeping, and exercise habits.
Next time you hear there is no time to eat healthy, exercise, cook, or even sleep ask yourself this simple question: What is more precious than the health of my child? It is time that we break the cycle and step up to the plate, a healthy plate, because our kids are worth it.
(c) 2010, Chris Marchioni, MD
Healthy Learning Paths