Diabetes used to be only associated with people who are 45 and above, but more young children and adolescents are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes nowadays at an alarming rate.
Type 2 diabetes was uncommon in the past among children and adolescents but now accounts for at least one third of childhood diabetes now.
While both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have a genetic component, studies have found that a sedentary lifestyle with poor eating habits and excessive weight gain are very strong contributing factors.
In Type 1 diabetes, patients bodies produce little or no insulin and have to be on daily insulin injections to control their blood glucose level.
In Type 2 diabetes, patients are unable to utilize insulin and would have to watch their diets, exercise and keep their weight down even when they don’t need insulin injections.
What is worrying is that the younger people are diagnosed with diabetes, the longer the period of time is being exposed to the complications of the disease.
It ultimately increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, renal failure, blindness and limb amputations.
As diabetes is a chronic disease, prevention is definitely better than cure. Engage in more physical activity and take healthier meals and limit time watching television and avoid carbonated drinks or sweet juices and fast food.
Another alternative besides taking the above approach Is to
If you notice symptoms like increased thirst, frequent night time urination, blurred vision or unusual fatigue, it is time to take action.
