The words “children and Diabetes” really shouldn’t be able to be linked together. Unfortunately, however, the number of children who have this disease has grown quite a bit in the last few years, causing scientists, doctors and nutritionists to quite a bit of alarm. One of the reasons for this alarm is because it is Type 2 Diabetes that has grown so rapidly in children.
Type 2 diabetes used to be only found in adults, but for the last few years, it has overtaken Type 1 diabetes (also known as Juvenile Diabetes) and left it far behind in the dust. Sadly, Type 2 Diabetes can usually be prevented with as little as more regular exercise and healthier eating habits.
The amount of fast food and foods with high fats and sugars being consumed by people of all ages, but especially children these days is alarming. Parents really need to watch what their children are consuming. Between McDonald’s, Wendy’s, pop, chips, cookies and all the rest, it really is no surprise that more and more children are contracting Type 2 Diabetes.
Perhaps the saddest thing about children with Diabetes is that it is a life long disease. While it is controllable, the disease does shorten the patient’s lifespan, and it can also create problems with pregnancy, weight gain, and the list is steadily growing.
Diabetes can be prevented. Watch what you eat. Watch what your children eat. Make sure you and your loved ones are getting enough regular exercise – even a twenty minute walk a day will do it. Remember, the words “children and Diabetes” don’t have to be linked together; not if you do what you can to stop it. Please try your best to prevent this largely preventable disease.