Diabetes is a disease that's more commonly associated with adults, or people who have bad diets. However, you would be surprised that nowadays, even children can be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes!
It's mostly because of lifestyle factors
In a study called SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth, researchers found that between 2002 and 2012, there was a 4.8% increase in the number of children and teens who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetologist and certified diabetes educator Dr. Fran Cogen shares, "Prior to the 1980s, Type 2 diabetes was extremely uncommon in children and adolescents. Unfortunately, the rate has increased as our lifestyles have become increasingly sedentary, and we’ve seen an explosion of processed, high-sugar and fast-food options."
These factors also contribute to obesity, which is one of the most common causes of diabetes in children.
Genetic factors can also play a role, as children whose parents have type 2 diabetes, are at a higher risk of having diabetes themselves.
What are the signs of diabetes in children?
Type 2 diabetes can be hard to detect in children, as there are some cases wherein there are no symptoms.
Other times, the symptoms could be increased thirst, urination, bedwetting, and unexplained weight loss. Darkening around the neck and the underarms can also be a sign of diabetes, as it's a sign of insulin resistance.
However, the best way to know if your child has type 2 diabetes would be to take them to a doctor so that tests can be conducted to determine if your child has type 2 diabetes or not.
How can it be prevented?
What's the best way of preventing type 2 diabetes? A healthy lifestyle.
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and staying away from sweet foods as well as sweet drinks or carbonated drinks can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Having an active lifestyle, and engaging in regular exercise significantly helps in lowering a person's risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
It also helps lower the risk for obesity, heart disease, and other lifestyle and weight-related problems later on in life. It's important for parents to keep their children healthy and ensure that they're eating properly so that they can avoid lifestyle-related diseases.
Source: webmd.boots.com, health.usnews.com
READ: Frequent urination at night can be a sign that your kid might have diabetes
