Type 2 Diabetes - The Adult Form of Diabetes Is on the Rise in Children and Teens
By Beverleigh H Piepers
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, while Type 1 was the form of diabetes diagnosed in children and teens. But now many children are also being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. What is causing children to develop this form of diabetes normally found in adults, and what can be done to prevent it?
One of the main reasons is that children and teens are more overweight than ever before. The number of children and teens with diabetes has increased along with the increase in overweight and obesity. There are many causes for this increase - unfortunately our society generally is much less active than before...
more time is spent in front of the television and computer.
children ride the bus to school in lieu of walking or biking.
there's less time for recess and physical education in schools.
Good nutrition has become more difficult as well. It's often cheaper and more convenient to eat less healthy foods. So we really need to make extra effort in order to stay active and eat healthily.
If your child is overweight and at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, there's still a lot you can do to prevent it. Eating healthy food, getting lots of physical activity, and losing weight are key. It also helps if the whole family can make lifestyle changes at the same time - it's difficult for one person to make changes alone.
Since children are still growing, it's a good idea to work with a dietitian to make sure they lose weight safely and only if they need to. Dietitians can give you ideas for your child to eat healthy foods and lose weight while still getting sufficient food and nutrition. For example, the plate method is a good way to structure meals. Fill half the plate with non-starchy vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and the last quarter with whole grains. This is a healthy way to eat for each and every member of the family!
As for physical activity, the minimum recommendation for children is usually one hour per day. Most of this should be moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise. There are lots of different ways for your children to get this exercise each day...
skateboarding,
playing tag,
jumping rope,
playing basketball, and
swimming
all count.
Muscle-strengthening exercises should also be included at least three days a week. This could be gained from
playing on playground equipment,
doing gymnastics,
climbing trees, or
rock climbing.
Find out what your child likes to do and keep it fun! And involving the whole family will make it beneficial for everyone.
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