Until recently type 2 diabetes was thought of as a disease found in obese adults. However, over the past 20 years, type 2 diabetes is emerging rapidly in children and adolescents. The increase is related to the increase of obesity which has doubled in children. Obesity causes insulin resistance and is, therefore, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
When the body is insulin resistant, it may be producing enough insulin, but it doesn’t use insulin efficiently. Insulin—a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move glucose into cells where it is used for energy. When this doesn’t happen, glucose stays in the bloodstream causing blood glucose—also called blood sugar, levels to rise. In response, the pancreas produces more insulin to bring blood glucose levels down. Eventually, the pancreas can’t keep up with the demand, and type 2 develops.
Research shows that the greater the degree of obesity in children, the greater the degree of not only insulin resistance but high blood pressure and high triglyceride levels. This can ultimately lead to diabetes, strokes, and heart disease. As a matter of fact, researchers predict that children today will be the first generation in 100 years not expected to outlive their parents. Surprising findings from a recent study seem to confirm that prediction.
Seventy-two percent of youth in the study with type 2 diabetes had nephropathy (kidney disease), retinopathy (eye disease) and peripheral neuropathy (nerve disease)—long-term complications of diabetes. These complications occur from damage to cells as a result of the persistent elevation of blood glucose.
Preventing Diabetes Complications
Keeping blood glucose as close to normal as possible is the key to prevent or delay diabetes-related complications. Nutrition management, increased physical activity, and monitoring blood glucose are the strategies that are used to treat children with type 2 diabetes.
Nutrition Management – Studies show that weight management, healthy food choices including low fat, high fiber foods can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes. Children with type 2 diabetes need to follow a healthy meal plan that will ensure proper nutrition for normal growth and development. Making an appointment with a registered dietitian is a good idea. A registered dietitian can tell you how many calories your child needs daily, provide assistance with menu makeovers and meal planning.
Increased Physical Activity – Children with diabetes should be physically active at least 60 minutes each day. Physical activity helps to lower blood glucose levels and control weight.
Monitoring Blood Glucose – Children with diabetes should be taught the acceptable range for their blood glucose. They should also check their blood glucose on a regular basis. Children should be encouraged to keep a journal or log book and discuss the results with their healthcare provider.
If these strategies do not reduce blood glucose, the use of an oral medication or insulin will be added to the regimen. As with type 2 diabetes in adults, the goal of treatment is to get blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. The larger goal, of course, is to prevent complications.
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