Diabetes in Children - Why Kids Are Getting Diabetes
Why are children getting type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes in children is reaching epidemic proportions. Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult onset diabetes. In the past when a child had diabetes it was usually type 1 diabetes which is an auto-immune disorder. In type 1 diabetes the body produces no or very little insulin.
Children getting type 2 diabetes are usually overweight, get little exercise and have very poor diets. They are the junk food addicts to whom a meal may be a bag of potato chips and a can of soda.
The high divorce rate may be a factor here. Two family incomes may also be a factor. Children with single parents or working moms may not be disciplined enough to make correct food, or snack choices.
In earlier days mothers were home as a child returned home from school. The sweet snack and junk food manufacturing were not as prevalent, so families ate more whole foods. Children didn’t have computers, video games and television. This led them to expend more energy with outdoor activities.
Today, I believe the children are getting type 2 diabetes primarily from poor nutrition, and lack of physical activity.
In addition there is a newer condition occurring with children called double diabetes. It is a condition where a child has both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Here his body produces no or little insulin as a type 1 diabetic.
As a type 2 diabetic his cells are insulin resistant. The cells are not properly accepting glucose. This may be in part due to over-consumption of omega 6’s. Omega 6 essential fatty acids are naturally occurring in vegetable oils. These oils are used for fried foods like fried chicken and french fries. This causes an imbalance of not enough consumption of omega 3’s. The body doesn’t produce omega 3’s. Omega 3’s come from foods like walnuts, pumpkin seeds, fish, mussels or fish oil supplements.
Children are the fastest growing segment of the population coming down with adult onset diabetes or what is known as type 2 diabetes. Also see What Causes Diabetes?
This is distressing because,
Diabetes in children might be prevented by:
• Reducing sugar consumption Cut out all sodas – drink water or herbal tea
• Improving nutrition a. Substitute fruits & veggies for sugar snacks b. Eat a diet that includes whole foods not junk foods c. Be a responsible grocery shopper & learn to read labels d. Cut out the white processed foods
• Nutritional Supplementation with whole food supplements not synthetic vitamins
One in every three children now being born in the U.S. ultimately will become diabetic.Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld
This does not have to be a fact for your child!
Who should be tested?
Children who are overweight
Children who do not get any exercise
Children who are tired or sleepy after eating a high carbohydrate meal