Diabetes Month. November is National Diabetes Month. Currently 150,000 young people under the age of 18 have a form of diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes …
November 2005
Diabetes Month
November is National Diabetes Month Now is the time to focus on a growing
problem occurring in todays children-type 2 diabetes There are two major
types of diabetes: type 1 insulin dependent diabetes and type 2 non-
insulin dependent Currently 150,000 young people under the age of 18
have a form of diabetes Out of this population, a significant percentage
have developed type 2 diabetes, a disease that was once diagnosed only in
people age 40 years or older
Type 1 Diabetes
This form of diabetes is an autoimmune disease that adversely affects the
bodys ability to make or use insulin, a hormone needed to transport
glucose sugar from the food we eat into the bodys cells for energy and
growth Basically, the body does not produce any insulin
Type 2 Diabetes
In this form, the body produces insulin but does not use it effectively or
produces too little The contributing factors for developing type 2
diabetes are weight gain, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise The US
is currently experiencing record numbers of individuals who are obese It
is estimated that 65 of American adults and 16 of children and
adolescents are
overweight Plus, there is a growing group of individuals
developing the condition called pre-diabetes These individuals have
impaired blood glucose tolerance and higher blood glucose levels, but these
levels are not high enough to be considered diabetic
The good news is that minor lifestyle changes can make a big difference in
preventing type 2 diabetes
To prevent this disease, make these changes:
1 Lose excess weight
2 Exercise
If you dont exercise, start now
30 minutes, 5 days a week reduces risk Simple activities like
brisk walking or gardening make a huge difference
3 Eat healthy and nutritious meals
If overweight, reduce calories and cut fat intake
Talk to a Registered Dietitian for help developing a food plan
Follow the food guide pyramid
4 Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of diabetes or are
having difficulty maintaining ideal weight
Source:isu.edu
