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Not Just for Adults
Managing Type 2 Diabetes in Kids
Although type 2 diabetes is usually associated with adults, kids are not immune. Managing the disease cannot be ignored because children confront the same dangerous health consequences as grownups.
"Insulin keeps the body in balance by delivering glucose to every cell, including those in the muscles and liver," says Dr. Siripoom McKay, director of the type 2 diabetes program at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. "Once the body resists insulin, glucose does not go inside of the cells, which results in a high concentration of glucose in the bloodstream."
"Type 2 diabetes is not a condition that children outgrow; it is lifelong and must be managed," says Dr. McKay, who also is an assistant professor of pediatrics in the section of endocrine and metabolism at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. "In order to normalize the glucose level, children may take pills and/or injections prescribed by a doctor; however, medicine alone usually is not sufficient to manage the disease."
"While no one can change their genetics, lifestyle choices can be modified," says Dr. McKay. "We are seeing more kids with type 2 diabetes because of the rise in obesity and inactivity. It's very difficult to separate the two."
Weight reduction begins by altering eating habits and consuming a low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet with an emphasis on portion control. "Of course, everyone should strive for a normal weight and eat nutritiously, but it's crucial for a person with type 2 diabetes," Dr. McKay says. "Monitoring the intake of fat is extremely important."
To speed the metabolism, increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary pastimes are essential, Dr. McKay says. "Limit time sitting in front of the television and playing video games," Dr. McKay says. "Encourage kids to take part in other activities instead of being in situations that can lead to eating."