Healthy Kids: Risk of Diabetes

Published:

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.

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