Childhood type 2 diabetes and obesity
Since the last two decades or so type 2 diabetes is increasing in children and teens. Almost 5 to 10 percent of children suffer from type 2 diabetes. There have been cases where children who were assumed to be suffering from type1 diabetes were later diagnosed to be suffering from type2 diabetes. In fact type2 diabetes was earlier diagnosed in adults aged 40 years or older but nowadays more and more children are suffering from it. Children and teens that have been diagnosed with type2 diabetes are between 9 and 19 years of age. Increasing rate of obesity and lack of physical activity are cited as reasons behind the spurt of this disease in children.
Type2 diabetes is a devastating disease that is attacking children the world over. Children are in fact acquiring this disease rather than being born with it like in the case of type1 diabetes. Every year over a thousand children are being diagnosed with type2 diabetes and medical experts say that family history of diabetes, obesity and low glycemic levels are the root cause behind this outbreak. Type2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body creates resistance to insulin that causes glucose to rise in the blood which ultimately damages the kidneys and other vital organs. Children who are suffering from type2 diabetes fail to absorb glucose that prevents their body from producing enough energy. The result is that they feel tired and exhausted all the time. The greatest irony is that it is very difficult to diagnose type2 diabetes in children and many children show no symptoms at all. Periodic monitoring of blood sugar level to keep it within the accepted range and a change of lifestyle is all that can be done to control this scary disease. Diabetes cannot be cured but can be controlled.
As a parent you can educate and teach your child suffering from type2 diabetes about the seriousness of this s disease without scaring them. They must be encouraged to take care of themselves from an early age so that as they grow older they are able to minimize the many complications associated with type2 diabetes. Your child must be made to understand that taking insulin shots regularly as prescribed is very necessary to prevent this disease from aggravating any further. Moreover a change of lifestyle, a balanced diet and regular physical activity like sports and extra-curricular activities can work wonders for them.
Instill confidence in your child that they can still lead a normal life provided they regulate it accordingly. As they need your help and support you must ensure that they feel comfortable while approaching you with their questions. You must also stay connected with your doctor because they are the ones who will ensure that your child undergoes necessary tests on a routine basis and also help keep you informed. Type2 diabetes is acquired not inborn like type1 diabetes; hence a little care and proper understanding of a better and active lifestyle can wean your child away from this dreaded disease.
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