While researching the information I’m going to share about Type 2 Diabetes in kids I was a bit befuddled.  Why such a rise in this disease with kids as young as 10 years old?

            When I was a kid, we didn’t have I-Pods, I-Phones, I-Hop (well, that one was around).  Social networking was done outside, with the neighbor kids, in the street playing hopscotch, tag, jump rope or riding our bikes.

            Going to Burger King was like a 5 star restaurant and it was maybe once a month if that.  Having ice-cream after dinner was on a Friday night, not every night.  DVD’s, computers, game-boy and many of the other very cool high tech toys simply did not exist.  We painted, drew, played house, read books, used our imaginations, I was really good at checkers and Scrabble too! 

            But it seems now a days, there’s a fast food restaurant on every corner, the excuse “healthy food is too expensive”, I don’t have time to cook, I’m too tired to cook…….and the list goes on.

            What has this got to do with the subject at hand?  Obesity is on the rise.  Parents, in my opinion, are spread too thin with work and afterschool activities.  So it’s easier to hit the drive through then plan a few extra minutes ahead and make a simple, healthy dish at home for the family.

            It’s not just obesity either; we’re learning that if a child has a close family member with Type 2, the chances are greater they can get it as well.  It’s also a factor of their family genes and ethnic background.  People of Native American, African American, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian/Pacific Island descent seem to be more prone to developing Type 2 Diabetes.  And with the craziness in the bodies with raging hormones at puberty can also cause resistance during this stage of growth.

            So what is Type 2 Diabetes?  Well, a person with Type 2 still produces insulin (unlike people who have Type 1), but the body doesn’t respond to it properly.  They develop insulin resistance which means glucose (sugar) is less able to enter the cells and do its job of supplying energy.  This will cause the blood sugar to rise and making the pancreas work harder to produce insulin.  Sometimes if it goes on too long, the pancreas can wear out from working overtime. 

            The good news about this?  Kids and teens that have developed Type 2 diabetes can use diet, exercise and medicines that improve the body’s response to insulin to help control their blood sugar levels.  And like Type 1, they may even need shots or use an insulin pump. 

            So how do you know if you have or are developing Type 2 Diabetes?

·         Do you have to go to the bathroom more then normal?  What’s happening is your kidneys are responding to the high glucose in the blood.  So your body is working hard to flush out the extra glucose in urine.

·         Are you extra thirsty?  Super extra thirsty, like you can’t get enough liquids.  What’s going on is because your body is working hard to flush out that extra glucose, your body is simply trying to replenish the fluids lost.

·         Are you tired all the time?  Your body isn’t able to use the glucose, so your energy is low and sluggish.

There are a few other symptoms like acanthosis nigricans, that’s a skin condition that causes darkening of the skin around the neck, armpits, groin, between fingers and toes or even on the elbows and knees.

A serious condition can develop in girls called polycystic ovary syndrome.  This is a condition that can cause cysts on the ovaries and later on, fertility problems.

But what can you do to prevent all this stuff from happening if you are facing Type 2 Diabetes?  Learn to take care of your body!  Eat a healthy low-fat diet.  Get plenty of exercise.  Get to and maintain a normal body weight.  Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.  Take your medicine!  If your doctor wants you to check your blood sugar 5 times a day, then don’t make excuses, do it!   And most important, work with your doctor, they are there to help you on the road to better health. 

If you don’t have Type 2, it’s always a good idea to still follow the basics, get healthier and stay there.  Your body is your vehicle, take good care of it, and eat a healthy balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Keep away from the high processed and heavily laden with fat foods.  Exercise daily, even if it’s just a 30 minute walk.  Your heart, kidneys and pancreas will thank you, as well as the rest of your body!   

 

By Kathleen M. Schmidt

Author and Work At Home Mom

of Two Type 1 Diabetic Sons

www.kathleenmschmidt.com

 

For more information regarding Type 2 Diabetes, please visit:

 

http://kidshealth.org

http://www.mayoclinic.com

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_0n_d00.htm