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Type 2 diabetes - why too many kids are at risk
The number of children worldwide diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is increasing dramatically as a direct consequence of soaring obesity rates among children. In Canada, increased rates of childhood obesity are no exception. While the main causes of childhood obesity are too much unhealthy food and too little exercise, broader factors such as cultural background, income level and where kids live can also play a role.
Diabetes interferes with the body's ability to produce or properly use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that processes glucose, a sugar the body requires for energy. In Type 1 diabetes, the body makes little or no insulin, and daily insulin injections are required. There is no known cause for this type of diabetes and it is not preventable. In Type 2 diabetes, the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 percent of cases and it can sometimes be controlled by diet and exercise, although oral medication and/or insulin is often needed.
Why we all should be alarmed
Type 2 diabetes was traditionally referred to as adult-onset diabetes because, until recently, the condition was virtually unknown among children. Now, alarm bells are sounding around the world over its dramatic rise. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, "diabetes potentially affects the metabolism of every cell in the body and adversely affects the body's blood supply. Over a period of months or years, it can lead to a wide range of life-threatening and disabling complications."
Children in some cultural groups at higher risk
Type 2 diabetes rates are three to five times higher in Canada's Aboriginal communities than in the general population. In Aboriginal children in North America and Australia, the prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes ranges from 1.3 to 5.3%. People of South Asian, Asian, Hispanic and African descent also have a greater incidence of diabetes.
Children of recent immigrants from high-risk populations are often at an even greater risk for type 2 diabetes when they come to Canada because they no longer have wide access to familiar foods (which may be difficult to access in western grocery stores). Instead, many adopt unhealthy North American diet habits-such as fried foods, sugar-laden drinks and eating in front of the TV. Growing up in low-income families increases risk
Low income levels can also be a barrier to healthy eating and healthy weights for kids. Indeed, children's health can be threatened by both poverty and obesity, according to the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth. Living in poverty can also mean that kids are less active. When families struggle financially, their living conditions can prevent them from having an active lifestyle, especially if they live in apartment buildings where there are no yards or neighbourhoods where there are no parks.
Where kids live affects how active they are
Activity is a main factor in maintaining a healthy weight. With more families moving to the suburbs, the opportunities to walk to school, the library or community centre are limited-and so is the chance for daily exercise. We are so used to driving everywhere we don't even think about walking. Impromptu outdoor play-a pick up game of basketball or street hockey, for example-also happens less often because many parents are fearful of the potential dangers of allowing their kids to play outside unsupervised. And while gym class was once a daily part of school life, funding cutbacks mean there's also less chance for active play at school.
Preventing diabetes in kids-we can all play a role
The good news is that type 2 diabetes is a highly preventable disease. Maintaining a healthy weight and living an active lifestyle are critical factors in reducing the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Eat right and be active everyday. You can also make a difference in your neighbourhood: Consider joining or starting a community kitchen to cook nutritious meals. Connect with other parents in the community and take turns supervising children in outdoor play. Aim for accessible recreation: Work with policymakers in the community to promote free or subsidized recreation programs for kids. Advocate for healthy schools: Encourage administrators to bring back more physical activity as part of the curriculum and develop nutritional guidelines for school lunches.
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