Type 2 Diabetes Growing in Children

I remember when my father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I automatically freaked out and became worried about his health. One thing I didn’t know at the time was that Type 2 diabetes can be successfully treated. Now I am happy to say that my father has improved. Better eating habits combined with frequent exercise have helped reduce the severity of his diabetes.
Out of this whole experience I began to think about my health and my eating lifestyle, wondering, am I at risk? I have always been a healthy eater and avid runner...but easily fall off the bandwagon for a piece of chocolate cake, or cookies…or well…anything with sugar.
I soon began to take a strong interest in studying Type 2 diabetes. And through my father’s experience, learned that even though I was only 19 years old, I was just as much at risk as he was.
Today, it seems hard to escape any media outlet without hearing of the “Type 2 Diabetic Epidemic” in children (includes teenagers). And as much as I would like to deny the severity of this, the numbers back it up.
In a recent study from New York University School of Medicine, Type 2 accounts for ninety-percent of diabetes in adults; tripling in the past thirty years. As for children, doctors say they have seen a “dramatic” increase. But how dangerous is Type 2 diabetes? And why does it have the nation in a panic?
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Diabetes (video) is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose-the main type of sugar in the blood. Glucose is essential for our bodies because it is a major source of energy. We get glucose from the foods we eat- breaking them down so that it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The rise in levels then trigger the pancreas to make the hormone insulin and release it into the bloodstream. But when someone has diabetes, their body either can’t make or respond to the insulin properly.
The most helpful metaphor I found for describing how insulin works is saying it is like a key. It is a key that opens the doors to cells and allows glucose to enter. Without insulin, the glucose (sugar) will not be able to get into the cell and will instead remain in the bloodstream. As a result, blood sugar levels rise and remain higher than normal. This can cause major health problems.
With Type 1 diabetes, a person’s immune system attacks the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. So a person with this needs insulin to help keep their blood sugar within normal range.
In contrast to Type 1, someone with Type 2 diabetes still produces insulin. But their body doesn’t respond to the insulin normally. The glucose has a harder time entering the cells and supplying the body with energy. This causes blood sugar levels to rise, forcing the pancreas to produce even more insulin. Eventually, the extra workload will tire out the pancreas, and it will be unable to produce enough insulin to keep a normal blood sugar level.
Are there any signs or symptoms?
There are signs (or short term effects) that reflect Type 2 diabetes, but each patient must be seen by a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The symptoms are not always obvious and generally take a long time to develop.
Short-term effects:
· Frequent urination
· Increased thirst
· Fatigue
· Weight loss
Long-term effects:
· Eye disease and vision loss
· Kidney disease
· Heart disease/circulatory problems
· Nerve damage
· Skin and bone damage
· Reduced life expectancy
So why is there an epidemic in children?
It was not until recently that Type 2 diabetes started to be associated with children. In fact, it used to be called “adult onset diabetes” because it was not thought anyone younger than 40-years-old could get it. While Type 2 diabetes is more common in some racial groups (American Indians, Alaska Natives, African Americans, Latinos/Hispanics, Asian Americans, & Island Pacificers), research shows it is mainly due to inactivity, an unhealthy diet and genetics.
Through a study conducted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), they found that not only can Type 2 diabetes be prevented (in some cases), but it can also be “healed.” Through their website, the ADA provides a Guide to Healthy Living; sometimes, knowing what is good or bad for you can be hard to distinguish, especially when it comes to your children.
Another resource the ADA provides is a virtual grocery store (which I think everyone should check out!). This allows you to view nutritional information and teaches you how to read food labels. In addition, it tells you how to plan a meal using the Food pyramid; making sure you get all the essential vitamins and nutrients and avoid any unnecessary sugars and fats.
But a healthy eating lifestyle will only go so far, exercise is just as important! Whether you have Type 2 diabetes or not, physical activity is great for burning any stored sugar or fat you have in your body.
For some children however, it is their genes that are the major players in the diabetic struggle. Genetic susceptibility combined with low physical activity and unhealthy eating patterns, all play important roles in determining a child’s weight. Not too mention they are at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes, and any other diseases as a result from obesity.
How is Central New York dealing with this Epidemic?
Thirty years ago medical researchers and doctors all over the nation began to notice that more and more children were being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Obesity was becoming more prevalent in all ages-especially children. The medical community thought something had to be done.
Joslin Diabetes Center at SUNY Upstate Medical University has joined a nation-wide study called “TODAY” (Treatment Options for type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth). Along with other researchers, they are looking for better ways to treat Type 2 diabetes. They are still looking for children volunteers between the ages of 10-17 years old to participate in the study. Children in TODAY are asked to eat healthier, exercise frequently, take medicine, and go to the hospital twice a week for check ups. To find out more about the study, you can contact the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Participating in a study however, is not the only way to fight Type 2 diabetes in adolescents. Organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offer Diabetes educators. The ADA has a Syracuse Chapter that will answer any questions or concerns you have about Diabetes. All you have to do is a pick up a phone and call.
If we are going to defeat this epidemic, it is about educating the children and not just the adults. Children need to be aware of the health risks that stem from eating too much junk food and inactive lifestyles.