Minty, C. (2001, April 10). ‘Adult’ diabetes grows among children. The Daily Oklahoman, pp. 1B-2B.

OVERVIEW

People who work with kids know what works with kids—food, glorious food…and lots of it! Chips, dips, cookies, burger and fries, intermingled with irresistible morsels of candy, swished down with cool soft drinks. While these treats are a few of life’s special joys, they can also cause serious harm to some children. Type II diabetes, a kind of diabetes that was diagnosed only in adults just a decade ago, has become a nationwide epidemic.

Large quantities of food coupled with little or no exercise triggers an ideal formula for obesity and for this type of disease. Diabetes appears in two forms: Type I, typically diagnosed in the very young, is found in 10% of all of the people with the disease; and Type II, normally diagnosed in adults. In either case, diabetics either don’t produce insulin, or their bodies don’t use the hormone effectively. Insulin is the substance which helps to change sugar into energy. According to the article, in addition to increasing one’s chances for heart disease, "diabetes is the primary cause of blindness, kidney failure, and lower extremity amputations."

One out of three diabetes diagnoses in children is now Type II. Dr. Kenneth Copeland, Jonas professor of diabetes and endocrinology at University of Oklahoma Department of Pediatrics, explains the recent increase of Type II diabetes among children: " ‘To see a 12-year-old…with adult diabetes used to be unheard of. We weren’t even aware of it five years ago…To say it’s spinning out of control may be inflammatory, but it’s true.’ " Copeland adds that the epidemic is clearly connected to the increasing number of overweight and inactive kids.

Health care experts agree that there are several reasons that kids have become heavier and more sedentary:

• The popularity of television and video games.
• The lack of physical education in schools.
• The increase in fast food dining.

Public schools could help improve attitudes about activity and nutrition, but funding limitations frequently curb related programs. And while school lunches are currently more nutritional than ever, so is the prevalence of vending machines, fast food a la carte lines, and off campus alternatives.

Demographically, government surveys indicate that American Indian and black children are more susceptible to Type II diabetes. Doctors suggest that "American Indians and blacks may have a genetic ability to store fat easily in their stomachs and metabolize it slowly. That would have been an important survival trait for ancestors who would go long periods of time between meals." However, with the overabundance of food in the U.S., too much fat ends up in the insulin-resistant abdomen, and type II diabetes may emerge.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you interact with diabetic youth? How do you help them live with their disease?
2. What can you do to help other children from developing type II diabetes?
3. How can you support parents and youth who are faced with this illness?
4. How can young diabetics help educate their peers about diabetes?
5. What can peers of young diabetics do to help their friends?

IMPLICATIONS

1. This epidemic is likely to continue. Youth workers should encourage children to be active and to eat nutritionally.
2. Take the time to talk about health and fitness. Make it fun.
3. Support kids with diabetes. Encourage them in their lifestyle changes.
4. When planning youth program events, always offer fun, healthy food for kids who need those options available.
5. Know the local diabetes resources in your area. Stay informed on the latest research. Learn how to help a young person who is experiencing an insulin imbalance.