Type 2 diabetes in children and teenagers is becoming more common, according to the Nemours Foundation, possibly due to increasing rates of childhood obesity. In teens with type 2 diabetes, the body produces sufficient levels of insulin hormone, but is unable to respond to it properly. As a result, glucose levels rise and trigger the pancreas to produce more insulin. This cycle fatigues the pancreas and causes the symptoms associated with high blood sugar, such as frequent urination, fatigue and excessive thirst. Diabetes is a chronic and potentially debilitating condition, but prevention is possible with dietary and lifestyle changes.
Step 1
Exercise regularly to promote overall health, improve your body's ability to use insulin and to lose weight. Overweight teenagers are at increased risk for developing diabetes, as excessive fat interferes with the ability of cells to respond to insulin properly. Moderately intensive activity for 30 minutes, five or more times each week is typically adequate.
Step 2
Eat a low-fat diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads and lean proteins. The American Diabetes Association recommends that children eat a minimum of five servings of vegetables and fruit every day to help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Step 3
Eat healthy snacks, such as nuts, raw fruit and vegetables or whole grain crackers or pretzels, and avoid sugary snacks and drinks, such as candy, cakes, soda and iced tea.
Step 4
Space meals evenly throughout the day to avoid fluctuations in blood sugar that may strain the pancreas, and eat at the same time every day whenever possible. Eating smaller meals every few hours is generally better at stabilizing blood sugar levels than eating two or three larger meals spaced many hours apart.
Step 5
Cook foods by broiling, baking, grilling, steaming, roasting or boiling them. Frying foods is less healthy and can contribute to the development of diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.
Step 6
Visit your doctor regularly for routine checkups and tests. If you have a family history of diabetes or other risk factors, ask your doctor to check your blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is sometimes reversible if caught and treated early, explains the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK.
Tips and Warnings
- Genetics plays a role in the development of type 2 diabetes. In fact, the Nemours Foundation estimates that at least half of all children with type 2 diabetes have one or more family members with the disease. The NIDDK recommends testing for diabetes every two years, beginning at age 10, for all children and teenagers who are overweight or have other risk factors for the disease.
- Without treatment, type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart disease, kidney damage, vision problems and stroke.
References
- Nemours Foundation: Type 2 Diabetes: What Is It?
- Nemours Foundation: Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
- American Diabetes Association: Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Teens
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Diagnosis of Diabetes
- National Health Information Center: Take Steps to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
