Type 2 diabetes once hit mainly adults. But today, children and teens weigh more and are less active. As a result, people of all ages now get type 2 diabetes. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are by far the most common forms of diabetes. But in rare cases, children get other kinds of diabetes.
Risk factors in children include Family history, overweight, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and low LDL levels. Lifestyle changes especially in terms of food-choices is the need of the hour.
Avoiding high consumption of junk food like soft drinks, chips, cookies, candy and other fast-foods and implementing healthier choices like milk, nuts, fresh fruit, carrots and whole grains helps in a major way. Children and teens should be physically active for at least 60 minutes most or all days of the week.
A child or teen who gets type 2 diabetes needs expert advice on diet and exercise. A dietitian can help both the child and the family learn to eat in a healthy way. A pediatric exercise counselor can help the child and family start an exercise program. In all cases, it’s a good idea for the whole family to change its habits.
Type 2 diabetes tends to get worse over time. After a while, people with type 2 diabetes may need drugs to keep their blood glucose levels under control, even if they’ve taken good care of themselves. Drugs include insulin and many types of diabetes medicines.
Supporting the effected kids, talking, being compassionate and knowing their interest in curbing the disease are most important factors in the prevention and care with children.
