Diabetes - The Growing Epidemic in Our Youth

More and more young people are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In this form of diabetes, insulin is produced in the body, but it is unable to do its job of regulating blood sugar. But this is a disease normally associated with adults.

For the past twenty years, type 2 diabetes has been on the rise among children and youth all around the world. Even though there are any number of genetic and environmental risk factors, the most significant risk factor is obesity. The texting, gaming, and computer-based obsessions of today’s youth encourage physically inactive lifestyles. Combined with poor nutrition from the successful marketing of processed food, junk food, soda pop, and other sugar- and fat-filled snacks, it is no wonder that the Centres for Disease Control reports that obesity now affects 17 percent of all children and adolescents in the United States—three times the rate of the previous generation.

How does type 2 diabetes develop?

Type 2 diabetes in young people is thought to result from insulin resistance, which means insulin does not work properly. The hormone insulin is made in our bodies by an organ called the pancreas and has an important role in regulating blood glucose levels.

Young people with insulin resistance need to make more insulin than is ‘normally’ required to regulate their blood glucose levels. Overweight and obese young people are most likely to have insulin resistance which alone can cause health problems.

Insulin resistance can progress to type 2 diabetes if the young person’s pancreas cannot continue to make enough insulin to overcome their insulin resistance. Blood glucose levels then start to rise to higher than ‘normal’ levels. During puberty, hormonal changes can add to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes is more likely to be diagnosed at this time.

For all age groups, eating well and maintaining an ideal body weight has a preventative effect on diseases like Type 2 diabetes.

Healthy lifestyle changes is the most important thing you can do for your child’s well-being.

Here are a few tips :

• Getting enough dietary fiber plays an essential role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. The benefits of eating fiber, indicating that soluble fiber may help control blood sugar by delaying gastric (stomach) emptying, retarding the entry of glucose into the bloodstream, and lessening the postprandial (post meal) rise in blood sugar.
• Ban habits that lead to overeating. Make kids use a plate and eat at the table.
• Make sure kids exercise. They need an hour a day, all or most days. Sports teams are one option, but outdoor play like running around and bike riding are other options.
• Control portions. Don't let kids overeat. Switch to smaller plates to encourage smaller portions.
• Delay seconds at mealtime. Wait 15 to 20 minutes before you offer seconds.
• Don't buy junk food. Offer low-calorie snacks like carrots, celery or fresh fruit.
• Limit or get rid of soda and other sweetened beverages. These have a lot of calories with little nutritional value.
• Cut back television time and other inactive "screen time" like video games and computers. Two hours a day or less is all that's recommended.

Set a good example. Eat in a healthier way—and exercise too.

For young people struggling with blood sugar issues, tackling nutritional deficiency is a key step in balancing/regulating blood sugar. Antioxidants, vitamins, mineral, and fiber deficiency can be eliminated with natural nutritions.

For a full health evaluation, visit www.designer-health.co.za and make an appointment today!