Juvenile Diabetes on the Rise

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing disease states in the United States, not only in adults, but also children. This article discusses the alarming rise in Type 2 Diabetes in children and the need for more aggressive treatment options.  Pediatricians are now recommending insulin shots more over oral treatments that have not been as effective as hoped in the youth.  On Monday, the American Academy of Pediatricians will issue its first ever clinical guidelines for Type 2 diabetes. Recommendations may include temporary insulin shots for children with Type 2, which would be normal regimen to treat Type 1. Another factor is that it is becoming even more difficult to differentiate,  The article states that Type 2 used to be limited to just adults, but three decades later one of every three cases of diabetes involves patients under 18 years of age.  

It's a growing epidemic and of course diet and exercise are major factors. With today's technology and lifestyle, being a kid is much different than it was when I was growing up. Kids don't meet up after school to "play" with the other neighbor kids anymore, but if they do, it usually revolves around video games, not a game of man hunt. I think having your kids involved in organized sports growing up and making sure they eat balanced/portioned meals is more important than ever.  Of course it is much easier to say than commit, and it is a lifestyle change, for not just your children but the entire family. To be six years old an diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes is just so scary to me.  

I am biased, as I have been professionally involved with treatments for Type 2 Diabetes and know the disease state very well.  Although I have not been tested (and I know that I should be- I'm in denial), am convinced that myself and most of my family are pre-diabetic or possibly even living with undiagnosed Type 2.  I think when you are surrounded by data and educational information, it really makes you more aware of how serious the consequences.  I will be interested to see what the pediatric guidelines recommend when they are announced on Monday.





Check out full article at WSJ: Juvenile Diabetes on the Rise