Healthy Kids: Risk of Diabetes

Childhood obesity quadruples risk of developing type 2 diabetes:

• Journal of the Endocrine Society.
• Obesity and Diabetes are epidemic health problems.
• Obesity affects 12.7 million children and teens in US.
• 3600 new type 2 diabetes cases diagnosed each year (age 25).

Conclusions:

• 1 in 11 adults has type 2 diabetes.
• 415 million people worldwide.
• Heavy burden on society due to cost of treatment.
• Prevention is key.

Omega-3 intake through mother’s breast milk may lower type 1 diabetes risk:

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder.
• Body’s own immune cells attack the beta cells.
• Beta cells produce insulin.
• Insulin decreases the level of sugar in the blood.
• Commonly diagnosed in teenage years.
• Studying the link between omega-3 serum levels and autoimmunity:
• National Institute of Health and Welfare in Helsinki, Finland.
• High levels of omega-3 fatty acids = lower insulin autoimmunity
• Breastfeeding was superior to formula feeding in prevention.

Omega-3 fats:

• Fish
• Fish Oil
• Nuts
• Leafy vegetables
• Vegetable Oils

Alternative therapies for diabetes prevention:

• Fenugreek
• Magnesium
• Cassia cinnamon
• Aloe vera
• Garlic
• Alpha-lipoic acid = antioxidant (spinach, broccoli and potatoes)
• Chromium
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Reducing stress – relaxation therapy, massage, reflexology

Risk factors for children to develop type 2 diabetes:

• Being overweight – especially belly fat
• Sex – girls > boys
• Age – usually by 10 years
• Family history – increases risk.
• Race or ethnicity – increased in African-American, Native American and Hispanic.

Risk factors for adults and diabetes:

• Being overweight or obese
• Excess fat around the abdominal region
• Age – increases after age 45
• Diet – excess carbohydrates
• Sleep patterns – increased with sleep apnea
• Family history – increases risk
• Stress – cortisol
• Gestational diabetes – increases risk.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome – insulin resistance
• Ethnicity – African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans
• Metabolic syndrome – 3 or more conditions that put one at risk for diabetes.

Treatment and alternative therapies:

• Lifestyle changes
• Weight loss
• Moderate, consistent activity
• Increase muscle mass
• Increase flexibility
• Reduce stress
• Healthful diet
• Keeping a strict meal schedule
• Stop smoking
• Avoid excess sugars
• Coffee intake in moderation
• Getting enough sleep
• Monitoring blood glucose
• Take medications as prescribed.