Are you aware that type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common in children?
While it used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, due to the obesity epidemic, children are now also at risk. Type 2 diabetes causes sugar to build up in the blood, which can lead to severe long-term risks if left untreated. As a parent, there are steps you can take to make healthy changes for your family and help prevent type 2 diabetes.
Read on to learn more about this issue and what you can do to support your child’s health.
What is Type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that can strike at any age, however it is more common among a child who usually starts slowly and gradually, finding it challenging to notice and diagnose in kids.
Risk factors for diabetes:
- Certain factors increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, age, and ethnicity.
- Identifying and addressing these risk factors can prevent the onset of the disease.
Symptoms of type 2 diabetes:
- Symptoms may be mild or unnoticed in the early stages.
- Common symptoms include frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, slow healing of cuts or bruises, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes:
- Blood test measures the level of glucose in the blood for diagnosis.
- Other tests may check for complications such as kidney or nerve damage.
Complications of type 2 diabetes:
- If left untreated, serious complications can arise such as heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, nerve damage, and blindness.
- Lifestyle changes and medication can prevent these complications.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes:
- Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet can reduce the risk of developing the condition.
When to see a doctor:
- If experiencing symptoms of type 2 diabetes or have risk factors for the disease, seeing a doctor is important for evaluation.
- Early detection and management can prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Tips for parents:
- Encouraging healthy habits from a young age can prevent children and adolescents from developing type 2 diabetes.
- Promoting regular physical activity, limiting sugary drinks and snacks, and modeling healthy eating habits are some ways to do this.
- Parents can also talk to their child’s doctor about screening for diabetes if they have risk factors for the condition.