When you hear the term "type 2 diabetic" what type of person comes to mind? Probably an adult in their 50s or older who is overweight or obese, that doesn’t exercise, overeats and may have a family history of diabetes.
The picture of diabetes no longer looks like that. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) the incidence of childhood type 2 diabetes has dramatically increased in the last thirty years.
According to the Mayo Clinic type 2 diabetes, also called non-insulin dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), your body's main source of fuel.
The Mayo Clinic said that type 2 diabetes can be managed by eating well, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight.
Type 2 diabetes has become a large enough problem that for the first time in its history the AAP has released guidelines for treating children between the ages of 10 and 18 years of age.
The AAP received guidance and consultation from the following agencies to create these guidelines: the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Pediatric Endocrine Society.
The diabetes guidelines for children were created because it can be difficult to detect in children. Children can have mild or no symptoms so it goes undetected.
Diabetes is often diagnosed through blood testing and children do not always get blood tests every year during their appointments. Some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes can be difficult to decipher in children.
The diabetes guidelines for children were created to raise awareness and help doctors to be sensitive in the treatment of children.
Diabetes type 2 can be so well-managed with lifestyle that it is important for children to be diagnosed early. If you or someone in your family needs support with managing lifestyle and diabetes, feel feel to visit my site for more tips and treatment options at www.HealthyDaes.org/Diabetes/
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.org/
Download one of Dr. Dae's books: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living, Eating Healthy for the Holidays, Cultivate Health: Recipes for Diabetic or Pre-Diabetic Conditions @ www.healthydaes.org/
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Dr. Daemon Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who maintains a holistic practice by treating patients all over the country using Skype and phone visits. She helps her patients harvest health and feel great, using a combination of safe and effective naturopathic and conventional methods.
Sources:
"Guidelines For Treating Type 2 Diabetes In Kids, First Ever." Medical News Today: Health News. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/255514.php
"Management of Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Children and Adolescents ." Pediatrics . N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/01/23/peds.2012-3494.full.pdf+html
The Mayo Clinic Staff. "Type 2 diabetes Definition." The Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013.
http:www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-2-diabetes/DS00585
Reviewed January 29, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith