Type 2 diabetes is increasing alarmingly in recent years, and not only in adults, but also in children and adolescents. This is due in large part to obesity which is also increasing in the child population too fast. Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the body is not able to make enough insulin or use it properly to convert glucose from food into energy. A disease that only affected adults is beginning to affect children and adolescents as well.
Types of diabetes in children
We can find type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes in children Type 1 diabetes is known as juvenile diabetes and it usually begins suddenly with weight loss, extreme thirst, and frequent urination. It can occur in thin or normal-weight people. Type 1 diabetes must be treated with insulin injections.
Type 2 diabetes can also appear and usually occurs in overweight and / or sedentary people. Type 2 diabetes often starts slowly, people may have vague symptoms or no symptoms at all. Some people can control their type 2 diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. However, others have to take diabetes pills or insulin.
Children at risk for type 2 diabetes
Children who are most at risk for type XNUMX diabetes are:
- Children who are overloaded or obese.
- Having parents or close blood relatives with type 2 diabetes.
- Have higher than normal levels of glucose in the blood, or if they have high levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglycerides.
- Had low or high birth weight.
- Women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes in children
Children and adolescents may be able to prevent diabetes or delay its onset for many years by taking into account small changes in their daily lives. These small changes can make a big difference to your health. Even a little weight loss can help prevent or delay diabetes. Weight loss is difficult, especially in young children and adolescents who like to eat everything, but a healthy diet is the best way to take care of your health.
Next I am going to give you some tips to prevent diabetes in children and adolescents and that together they can achieve good results not only in the health of children, but also in that of adults.
Lose weight with a healthy diet
You need to create some changes in eating habits that the whole family can benefit from:
- Drink enough water every day
- Limit sugary drinks (soft drinks, juices, sports drinks or coffee: all these drinks add calories and no nutritional contribution. For thirst, the best thing is water)
- Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables daily
- Eat healthy snacks instead of other less healthy options. For example, eat carrots or grapes in the middle of the morning or between meals.
- Avoid fast food at all costs
- Choosing grilled foods
- Avoid fried or processed foods
- Choose diet and low-fat foods
- Don't eat french fries, better baked potatoes
- Fill the plates more with vegetables than with other types of food
Lose weight avoiding a sedentary life
Sedentary life is a big problem for anyone because in the long run it can cause serious health problems, both physical and emotional. Therefore, it is necessary that a sedentary life is not a lifestyle in families and thus be able to prevent type 2 diabetes. Some tips may be the following:
- Limit the time in front of the screens (tablets, televisions, smartphone, computers or any other device) no more than two hours a day.
- Moving around as a family. Doing at least 6 minutes a day of exercise as a family every day or almost all of them. You can go for a walk, ride a bike or go jogging.
- Dance.
- Walk more and take the car or public transport less (or walk more stretch).
- Enlist your children in extracurricular activities that involve physical exercise and that they enjoy.
- Do not use the elevator, use the stairs (even if it is the top floor).
One way to motivate children and adolescents to exercise or at least eliminate their sedentary life is by setting small goals.. Rewarding success with non-material things that have nothing to do with food. For example, if your child has managed to eat healthy all week or has exercised as a family, he can choose some rewards such as: having a pajama party with his friends, choosing the movie to see all as a family, etc.
Signs to be alert
Children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes often feel fine and do not notice any signs that might suggest they have type 2 diabetes. However, all parents and even older children need to be able tobe clear about the most common symptoms of type 2 diabetes to be able to go to the doctor as soon as possible and start treatment if necessary (although as I have mentioned above, it is normal that with exercise and a healthy diet it can be regulated only when it comes to pre-diabetes ... but should be consistent). The warning signs are:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination during the day or at night
- Blurred vision
- Unusual tiredness or fatigue
In case you notice that your child has any of these symptoms or that there is something that does not fit your health, then you should go immediately to your health center so that they can assess if it really is type 2 diabetes. It is necessary to be aware of the importance of eating healthy, fresh and good quality food as well as not having a sedentary life, and the best example begins at home!