Oct. 3, 2020—
Not too long ago, type 2 diabetes was considered an adult's disease. Today it's also a big problem for kids. And it can jeopardize their healthy future.
The more you know about type 2 diabetes, the more you can help your child stay healthy. For starters, check out these four facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
1. As many as 1 in 5 children ages 12 to 18 has prediabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disease of high blood sugar. It starts when the body has trouble using the hormone insulin. Insulin helps the body turn food into energy. But if it isn't working, sugar can build up in the blood and cause health problems. Even before children have diabetes, their blood sugar levels may rise higher than normal. That's called prediabetes, and it can be a warning sign that type 2 diabetes is on the way.
2. Puberty may play a role. Often, type 2 diabetes in children develops during their early teen years. One reason for that? Adolescent hormones. They may make it harder for the body to use insulin, especially in girls.
3. A healthy weight is important, but most kids shouldn't diet. Our nation's high obesity rate is one of the reasons type 2 diabetes is rising in kids. But if your child is overweight, you shouldn't put them on a diet unless directed to do so by a doctor. Some kids may just need to slow their weight gain while they're still growing.
Even small changes can help with weight control. And it's easier for kids when families make them together. For instance, you might start by:
- Taking walks or bike rides as a family.
- Eating together. Serve healthy meals that include plenty of fruits, veggies and whole-grain foods. Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils and beans for protein.
- Switching to water instead of sugary drinks.
- Limiting the amount of TV your family watches. Kids may snack more when watching TV.
4. Some kids as young as 10 may need a diabetes test. If your child has certain risk factors for type 2 diabetes, ask their doctor about a test. Risk factors include:
- Having a family history of type 2 diabetes.
- Being African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaskan Native, Asian American or Pacific Islander.
- Having a mom who had diabetes during pregnancy.
- Having health conditions related to insulin resistance, such as obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
If your child has prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes can often help turn things around.
Bust through the myths
Have you heard these diabetes myths? It's easier to avoid or manage diabetes when you can tell fact from fiction.