NEWS RELEASE Diabetes and Childhood Obesity
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November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to remember that diabetes is at epidemic levels and the sixth leading cause of death in America. If poorly controlled, diabetes can lead to many problems, including blindness, kidney failure, amputation, heart disease and stroke, according to the Genesee County Health Department.
Nearly 21 million Americans have diabetes, yet one-third of them are not aware they have the disease. Symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Abnormal thirst
- Excessive appetite accompanied by weight loss
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Irritability
- Itchy skin
- Slow healing of cuts and bruises
- Frequent infections of skin/gums/vagina/bladder
- Tingling/numbness in legs, feet, hands
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin and most often appears during childhood or adolescence. Type 2diabetes occurs when the body cannot use insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes most often affects adults over age 40 and is the most common form, affecting 90 to 95 percent of people with diabetes.
Obesity and a lack of physical activity are contributing to a sharp increase in the number of children and young adults who develop type 2 diabetes. Almost unheard of in children 20 years ago, type 2 diabetes has skyrocketed among young Americans. About 800 children in New York State are diagnosed with diabetes each year.
Poor food choices marked by large portion sizes of fast and highly processed foods are a primary factor in weight gain. Eating foods high in calories and fat combined with little physical activity makes it difficult to burn excess calories and maintain a healthy weight. In children and adults alike, one of the greatest risk factors for type 2diabetes is excess weight.
The Genesee County Health Department advises that we need to promote the importance of healthier eating and a more active lifestyle among our youth.
- Family support and active parental participation in a child’s weight reduction efforts are essential for success, and should include the following strategies:
- Provide nutritious meals with controlled portion sizes.
- Plan meals as a family whenever possible.
- Provide healthy snacks.
- Avoid eating while watching TV or working at the computer.
- Avoid using food as a reward.
- Know what your child eats at school - pack your child’s lunch whenever possible.
- Increase physical activity, especially walking. Arrange family outings that revolve around physical activity.
To prevent diabetes and reduce complications if your child has it:
- Establish a healthy eating plan.
- Promote regular physical activity.
- Encourage your child to maintain a healthy weight.
- Maintain an appropriate blood sugar level by controlling diet and medication.
Through positive, enduring lifestyle changes and working with health care professionals, overweight children can lose excess weight and maintain the health and vitality that of all children. For more information about Diabetes Awareness call the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344-2580 ext. 5000.
