Type 2 diabetes is a disease most commonly found in adults, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes is rising as of 2010. Type 2 diabetes develops when cells in the body become insulin resistant and the pancreas becomes unable to produce enough insulin. The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown, but there are common characteristics among children who develop it.
Obesity
The Mayo Clinic states being overweight is one of the primary causes of type 2 diabetes. Body mass index is used to determine if a child is overweight or obese. Cells in the body become insulin resistant when the body has too much fatty tissue. Weight loss achieved by improved diet and exercise habits can improve insulin resistance. Maintaining a normal weight can prevent diabetes in children and adults.
Sedentary Lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise helps the body use excess sugar in the bloodstream, improves insulin responsiveness and can help children maintain a healthy weight. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends children and adolescents get 60 minutes of exercise every day.
Irregular Birth Weight
An analysis published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" concluded that babies with low or high birth weights are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating habits and exercise throughout pregnancy can help ensure a healthy weight for the baby. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy can cause the baby to have a high birth weight and high blood sugars while in utero. A 2005 study published by Dr. Stettler in "Circulation" found that undersized babies are overfed and can gain weight rapidly, increasing the risk of being an overweight adult.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Children and Diabetes --- More Information
- MayoClinic.com: Type 2 diabetes in children
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Birth Weight and Subsequent Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis; Thomas Harder, et al.; 2007
- "Circulation"; Weight gain in the first week of life and overweight in adulthood: a cohort study of European American subjects fed infant formula; Stettler N, Stallings VA, Troxel AB, et al.; 2005
