Series on some major health problems: Part 2

Type 2 Diabetes in Children (taken from an article in JAMA)

In type 2 diabetes the pancreas produces insulin, but the cells are unable to use it efficiently, resulting in insulin resistance. In type 1 diabetes the body destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The pancreas then stops producing insulin. Type
1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, puberty and sedentary lifestyle. These cause the disease by promoting insulin resistance.

Prevention and Treatment

Weight Loss:
With modest weight loss you can achieve an improvement in insulin sensitivity. Significant weight loss can promote normalization of blood sugar levels and permanent resolution of the disease.

Change in Diet:
Baked goods, fried fast foods and other prepared foods high in fat increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, while polyunsaturated fat from vegetable and fish sources decreases risk.

Physical Activity:
Even moderate physical activity such as daily walking will decrease risk for type 2 diabetes. In contrast, sedentary activities such as TV and video games increase the risk for obesity. The authors conclude that the above causes have produced a ten-fold increase in some pediatric populations over the past 2 decades.

Diagnosis:
Early diagnosis is the key to controlling the progression to beta cell failure. Type 2 diabetes can be without symptoms in the early stages. The American Diabetes Association recommends screening of overweight children at age 10 if they have other risk factors, such as family history, high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.

AS A RESULT OF THIS UNPRECEDENTED EPIDEMIC, CORONARY HEART DISEASE MAY BECOME A DISEASE OF YOUNG ADULTHOOD.