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It used to be that diabetes type 2 was called “adult onset diabetes” because the conditions did not appear until adulthood and in many cases when the sedentary lifestyle combined with poor diet eventually lead to this disease. But today, that term is inaccurate as more and more children are being diagnosed with this disease before reaching adulthood. The reasons are pretty simple, inactivity combined with poor diet has lead to this growing condition.
The risk factors associated with diabetes type 2 in children, according to the National Diabetes Education Program or NDEP are;
Overweight: Obesity or significant excess weight can lead to diabetes type 2.
Family History: A parent or grandparent previously having diabetes type 2.
Insulin Resistance: A medical condition where the sugar and starches are not properly broken down by the body and transmitted to the cells.
Puberty: The effects of puberty have a wide-ranging effect on the body, these changes can lead to a greater chance of having diabetes type 2.
Of these four risk factors, only obesity is within the control of the child. While genetic conditions can make a child more susceptible to weight gain, lifestyle changes including proper exercise and diet can successfully keep the excess weight off.
Children in the US have seen a significant rise in diabetes type 2 over the past few decades, which mirrors the rise in obesity levels. The American Heart Association or AMA reports that the number of children who are overweight or obese is higher than ever and the number is growing every day.
Put simply, around 30% of Caucasian children, both male and female are overweight, as well as male African-American children. The number for African-American females is almost 40%, which is the same for Hispanic male children. Around 35% of Hispanic female children are also overweight.
Finding symptoms for diabetes type 2 in children can be difficult as in many cases there are no obvious symptoms early on, only blood test can accurately diagnose the disease. This can be very dangerous as the diabetes type 2 in children can be doing damage while remaining unchecked. But of the symptoms that may appear, they include;
- Fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Feeling nauseated with no obvious cause
- Blurring vision
- Wounds heal slowly
- Increase in number of infections
Another factor in diagnosing diabetes type 2 is insulin resistance. This occurs when the body needs more insulin than normal to allow the sugar to get into the cells. The symptoms include;
- High blood pressure
- Unusual darkening and thickness of the skin in the armpits or neck. This condition is called Acanthosis nigricans. The skin itself may feel “velvety.”
- Abnormal changes in the lipid levels in the blood, commonly called Dyslipidemia.
Combating diabetes type 2 in children is the next step after the disease has been diagnosed, here are few common ways diabetes type 2 is dealt with;
Proper diet: A well balanced diet can reduce the weight and improve the overall health. In many cases, the diabetes type 2 can be reversed.
Following a written health plan: A plan, such as the one created by the American Diabetes Association, can help guide a child to the proper treatment of diabetes type 2. Combined with the cooperation of the parents, school, and health care providers, such a plan if successfully followed can stop, even reverse the effects of diabetes type 2.