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Diabetes Wake Up Call: Children and Diabetes The New England Journal of Medicine reports that 25% of very obese children and 21% of very obese adolescents have blood sugar levels in the “Pre-Diabetes” range (fasting blood sugar between 100 and 125). Many children and teens are also showing early signs of heart disease. Kids who develop Type 2 Diabetes during adolescence will pay for it later-but not much later. Complications of Diabetes can be evident within 10 years after diagnosis. Life expectancy is cut short. Imagine developing eye, kidney, heart or nerve disease in your early 20’s. Recent surveys reveal that many parents describe their children’s weight as “normal” even though it is well above the normal range. Many parents are also overweight. Because determination of whether a child is overweight involves a modification of how we determine the same in adults, an open discussion with the school nurse, the family doctor and other health professionals is an important first step. Pennsylvania is also mandating that children in K-4th grades will have their BMI (body mass index) measured and parents will be notified of the results. Weight management is a very important family issue. The American Diabetes Association developed an initiative called “Weight Loss Matters.” It features many resources to help families learn positive approaches to weight management to prevent Diabetes. You can visit www.diabetes.org or call 1-800-Diabetes for more information. Weight loss doesn’t just matter-it can save your life as well as the lives of your children. Begin some lifestyle changes right now. Turn off the TV or the computer and take an inventory of foods in your kitchen. For every piece of junk food, substitute fruits and vegetables during your next grocery shopping trip. Remember, it’s easier to prevent Diabetes than to deal with its many challenges and complications in the future. |