Hot on HuffPost Parents:
Louise Pennington: Teenage Pregnancy, Patriarchal Hypocrisy and…
'Rules Of Engagement' 100th Episode Series Finale
Identifying and Preventing Type-2 Diabetes in Kids
Filed under: Health & Safety: Babies, Expert Advice: Babies, Health & Safety: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Expert Advice: Toddlers & Preschoolers, Expert Advice: Big Kids
Type-2 diabetes is no longer a disease of the adult population. Unfortunately, kids as young as 10 years old are developing the disease at an alarming rate. Parents who are aware of the signs, symptoms and risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes are better equipped to prevent their kids from becoming a part of this growing epidemic. Maintaining a healthy body weight by leading a healthy lifestyle of balanced eating and vigorous exercise is a great start.What is Type-2 Diabetes?
As discussed in my previous post, your body needs insulin to use the energy it makes from food. In type-2 diabetes, either the pancreas cannot produce enough of the hormone insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, or your body does not properly use the insulin it makes. If you have type-2 diabetes, glucose builds up in your blood instead of being used for energy. In the long run, consistent high blood sugar has many detrimental effects on your health.
Tips for identifying and preventing type-2 diabetes, after the jump...
Screening Short List
Along with common symptoms such as frequent urination and excessive thirst, the following is a short list of markers to keep in mind when screening your child for type-2 diabetes:
- Children older than 10 years of age or at the onset of puberty.
- Children whose body mass index (BMI) is greater than the 85th percentile for age and sex
- Family history of type-2 diabetes
- Ethnic background of African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian, or Pacific Islander origin
- Overweight or obese child
Exercise Recommendations
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes as it leads to your kids becoming overweight or obese. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. Studies suggest that moderate weight loss and regular physical activity can reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes by more than 50 percent.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes, nor is there an identified cause. Once diagnosed, the focus is on controlling the disease and preventing future complications such as cardiovascular disease, blindness and nerve damage. Following a vigorous workout routine that includes aerobic and strength exercises, is the most effective first line of defense. The minimum recommendation is 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity. A combination of running, biking, swimming, push ups, squats, jumping jacks and team sports should be enough to keep your kids fit and entertained in the process.
Reggie Reyes is a certified kinesiologist and personal trainer. He is the president and founder of pt4kids a company that creates specialized training programs for kids all ages and fitness levels.
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Advice For Mothers With Type 1 Diabetic Kids
Pam shares advice for another mother with children who have type 1 diabetes.
-
Academy of Pediatrics Sets Guidelines for Kids with Type-2 Diabetes
For the first time, the American Academy of Pediatrics has developed guidelines for children with type two diabetes. This is a direct response to the increase in obesity among kids.
-
Diabetic Alert Dogs Save Lives
3 million kids and adults have Type 1 Diabetes. It's the type that requires insulin to stay alive. See how these special dogs are also helping diabetics live a healthy and normal life.
-
Kids With Diabetes Excited For Soccer Match
Kids living with Type 1 diabetes say they're excited to be participating in an international soccer tournament in Switzerland. They'll get the chance to show off their skills while learning about how to live with diabetes.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
1-29-2010 @ 7:24PM
Brian Lawson said...While this article describes something that IS happening, let's take a look at why - you mentioned BMI. That's not the only factor. Being overweight at ANY age is a risk factor for T2. But let's also look at the constant barrage of junk food and worthless crap being pumped into kids everyday. Things like high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), for one. We didn't have this problem when I was a kid, because we had better diets and we exercised more. We had soda, yes, and it has sugar in it. Not HFCS. It was also wasn't readily available every day for consumption in large quantities. Combine poor diet with lack of exercise, leading to being overweight, and you end up with T2. How to reverse it? You don't mention that, and a lot of us T2's out there have. It's very simple - clean up your diet with a low carb plan, cut out the additives and sugar and high carb foods, and get some exercise. I'll wager we'll never see an article talking about this miracle cure, however. It worked for me, in adulthood, but I see no reason it wouldn't turn the kids' life back around either. Then again, I've been med-free since DX, lost 60 lbs, and eat constantly, too. What do I know? Oh, hang on, I didn't get $19 million from Big Pharma donated to me last year, that's it!
Reply
1-30-2010 @ 12:31AM
meganpaff said...We have a full menu of diabetic friendly meals www.bit.ly/bVLHIi
Reply
2-01-2010 @ 1:16PM
Max Martin said...Your information "Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes" is not 100% correct. I welcome you to see what Hope Diabetes Center is doing. Please Visit your website: www.hopediabetescenter.com
Best Regards,
Max Martin
Reply