Childhood Diabetes and Obesity

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Childhood obesity has significantly changed the face of Diabetes in our children over the last 20 years. There are many conflicting arguments as to the cause of the increase in childhood obesity and the seemingly parallel increase in Type II Diabetes.

Lifestyle changes have been targeted as a significant factor by some, together with changes in eating habits and poor nutrition. Today’s children are said to have a so-called couch potato lifestyle. This is because they are seen to spend more and more time indoors watching their favourite TV programs or playing the latest video games. When coupled with a lack of exercise these factors are having an adverse impact on the health of our children.

Type II Diabetes, which is normally associated with overweight adults, is being seen more and more often in today’s overweight children. This type of Diabetes, which normally occurs later on in life, is sometimes known as late-onset Diabetes or non-insulin-dependent Diabetes mellitus. Frequently it can be treated with diet and exercise, so insulin treatment is not always needed. However research has found that Type II Diabetes in children can lead to greater complications than Type I later on in life.

Type II Diabetes occurs either when the body can’t produce enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. Children can then become, what is known as, insulin resistant. When this happens, blood sugar levels increase dramatically. As well as increasing mortality Type II Diabetes in overweight children can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, limb amputation and blindness.

Treatments such as exercise and diet can greatly reduce the risk of health complications at a later date. A healthy diet is essential for children with Type II Diabetes. This should be a well balanced diet, which is low in saturated fat, sugar and salt and high in fibre, vegetables and fruit. Foods such as pasta, bread and cereals which are high in carbohydrates, and foods like biscuits and fruit, should be spread out during the day to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels after meals. A routine of regular physical activity will help your child’s body to use insulin more efficiently. At least half an hour of exercise on most days of the week is recommended.

If caught early enough, the disease can be treated by lifestyle changes alone. But if this does not work there are medicines which can be used to control the disease. There are many drugs available for children to control the production of glucose and strengthen the effectiveness of insulin. They can be administered in tablet form or by insulin injection.

Studies have shown the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of childhood obesity. With simple lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise program, Type II Diabetes can be delayed or even prevented altogether.