Is Your Child At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes?

Today, type 2 diabetes or the Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes (NIDD) is no longer a disease of people 45 years old and above but of children too

. Diabetes is a fatal health condition caused by increased blood sugar levels. Most of the time, the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes remain unnoticed until the later stage of the disease. When left untreated, it can lead to blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, and heart diseases.

The serious complications from diabetes can be prevented if you know youre child is at risk in the first place. So, how do you know your child is at risk for type 2 diabetes? If he or she has one or more of the following predisposing factors listed below.

Obesity. Being obese is the number 1 risk factor for children to develop type 2 diabetes. At the same time, obesity can be avoided by managing your childs diet. Ensuring that your child is eating the right kind of food is your number one defense against obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Family History. Do you have a relative with diabetes or have died because of diabetes? If yes, your child is at risk. Genetics is a strong predisposing factor.

Sedentary lifestyle. Watching TV, internet surfing, and different gadgets contributes to childrens sedentary lifestyle. They do not engage much into physical activities that help them burn calories and regulate blood sugar use. Lack of physical activities also predisposes children not just to Type 2 diabetes but also to cardiovascular diseases.

African-American or Hispanic descent. Although children of any race can acquire Type 2 diabetes, these group is particularly susceptible. Maybe because African-American and Hispanic children are more often obese than kids of other races.

Existing health conditions. High blood cholesterol and high blood pressure in children are something to watch out for. In girls, PCOS (Poly-cystic Ovarian Syndrome) is also linked to type 2 diabetes.

Sex. Childhood type 2 diabetes is more common in girls than boys.

If you have identified your child to have one or more of these risk factors, have him checked by his pediatrician. Getting blood sugar tests will help identify if your childs blood sugar is within the normal limits. You can also help in preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes in your child by preparing healthy foods, engaging with him in physical activities, and guiding him towards achieving a healthy body weight.

by: Jonathan Berns, DC

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