Any parent will tell you, kids grow up too fast. But these days, kids are developing diseases that, for the most part, used to only affect adults – like type 2 diabetes.
Approximately 1 in every 3 children born since the turn of this century will be diagnosed with the condition during their lifetime, which, if left unchecked, can instigate a number of serious health complications.
African-American children are particularly vulnerable, as are children from other minority groups. The good news? Type 2 diabetes doesn’t have to be destiny. Dr. Tamara Hannon, pediatric endocrinologist and director of the Youth Diabetes Prevention Clinic at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, explains why.
What is type 2 diabetes and why is it on the rise in kids and adolescents?
The increase is a direct result of the childhood obesity epidemic. Unlike type 1 diabetes, where the body makes no insulin, type 2 diabetes arises when the body produces insufficient amounts of the hormone or stops using it properly. Carrying too much weight can cause changes in the body that set the stage for the disease. Accordingly, type 2 diabetes tends to be more prevalent in communities where obesity is more common: inner-city and rural areas.
Why is this trend worrisome?
Type 2 diabetes is often a silent disease, inflicting damage without obvious symptoms. If the disease isn’t being treated – or isn’t being treated properly – excess sugar can build up in the blood, causing major health consequences. Kids with type 2 diabetes have a very high rate of health complications, such as high blood pressure and early kidney disease, for example. In fact, a large U.S. study found that among youth who had been living with type 2 diabetes for two to eight years, roughly 13 percent were already in the throes of early stage eye disease. We are only just beginning to understand the ramifications of this trend.
Are there any symptoms parents can look for?
While symptoms don’t always present themselves, they can include: increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, darkening of the skin around the neck, blurred vision, frequent headaches, extreme fatigue, frequent infections and irregular menstrual periods.
Are all children screened for type 2 diabetes during routine checkups?
No. Type 2 diabetes screening is recommended for kids ages 10 and up who are overweight – if their body mass index (BMI) falls within a certain percentile – and if they have two additional risk factors. These include having a family history of type 2 diabetes or belonging to certain racial or ethnic groups. Screening typically involves a simple blood test, but not all children are routinely being screened – so ask your physician if your child might be at risk. One of the main reasons the Youth Diabetes Prevention Clinic was launched in September was to ensure that at-risk adolescents were being appropriately screened for the disease and to help them correct course before progressing to a full-blown diagnosis.
Why are minority youth disproportionately affected?
That’s not well understood. While family history and socio-economic factors absolutely play a role, so too may physiologic differences. Research suggests that the cells responsible for making insulin appear to be more prone to failure among African-Americans and other racial and ethnic groups, including Hispanic/Latinos, Native Americans and Asian/Pacific Islanders. But that’s only part of the story. Being overweight is still the No. 1 risk factor.
How powerful an antidote is weight loss?
It’s hugely potent. Weight loss cannot only help prevent type 2 diabetes, it has even been shown to reverse the condition altogether. Making sure kids have access to a fruit-and-vegetable-rich diet and are getting the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day is vital. For fun fitness and nutrition ideas, check out Change the Play at Play.iuhealth.org. It is the health and wellness program my Riley at IU Health colleagues and I developed with Andrew Luck, quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts.
If kids develop type 2 diabetes, how is it treated?
Lifestyle changes are a big component. Many children also require insulin injections and/or medication to help their bodies make better use of insulin and to reduce excess sugar in the blood.
Is your child at risk?
Type 2 diabetes often goes unrecognized in kids. That’s why Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health recently introduced the Youth Diabetes Prevention Clinic – a screening and treatment clinic for kids ages 10 and up.
Parents can book an appointment to have their child screened. If deemed to be at risk, children receive an individualized treatment plan designed to keep type 2 diabetes at bay. Physicians, obesity specialists, dietitians and health coaches are among the members of a child’s type 2 diabetes prevention team.
To schedule an appointment or to find out more about the clinic, call (317) 274-8812.
