Type 2 Diabetes and Youth:
Acting Now for Future Generations
http://wwwihsgov/medicalprograms/diabetes/
The Indian Health Services Special Diabetes Program for Indians recognized
the problem of type 2 diabetes and youth early in its history, and has
supported comprehensive interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes and
obesity among children and youth
Why is it important to prevent type 2 diabetes in youth? Within a decade
type 2 diabetes in children is expected to exceed the rate of type 1
diabetes for all ethnic and racial groups For children born in the United
States in 2000, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
at some point in their lives is 30 for boys and 40 for girls, if obesity
rates stabilize The lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabetes is even
higher among some ethnic and minority groups, including American Indians
and Alaska Natives
Because youth with type 2 diabetes develop the disease at such an early
age, they will experience more years of disease burden and a higher
probability of developing serious type 2 diabetes-related complications
These complications will threaten life
expectancy, reduce quality of life,
and lower productivity during the prime years of their lives
To address the problem of type 2 diabetes among American Indian and Alaska
Native children and youth, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians has
implemented the following activities:
Reducing the burden of obesity–The increasing rates of childhood obesity
and overweight are the major reason for the growing prevalence of type 2
diabetes in youth Being overweight is one of the strongest risk factors
for the development of type 2 diabetes
Increasing physical activity–Physical activity is one of the most
effective ways to prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes
Working with schools and the community–Partnerships with local schools and
community-based programs strengthen the public health infrastructure to
address type 2 diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native children and
youth Healthy food choices in schools and other community settings, safe
environments for physical activity, and encouragement of physical activity
in school and community settings are important factors that positively
affect the health of children and youth
The IHSs Special Diabetes Program for Indians has
helped to create a
supportive environment for American Indian and Alaska Native children and
youth to exercise and eat healthy, helping lower their risk for developing
type 2 diabetes now and in the future The Special Diabetes Program for
Indians has brought hope to American Indian and Alaska Native communities
that they can reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes in their children and
youth
Source:idsoc.org
