Childhood obesity has become a worldwide epidemic over the past two decades. Between the availability of convenience and fast foods and the trend for children to be less active, obesity in children has risen nearly 50%. It is estimated that 25% of children today are obese. Along with the childhood weight problems associated with obesity in children, many other health issues can occur such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, orthopaedic problems, sleeping disorders and the most prominent disease, type 2 diabetes.

The increase in type 2 diabetes in children has paralleled that of obesity at an alarming rate. Less than ten years ago it was nearly unheard of for children to develop this form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was usually diagnosed in adults over age 40. Today, children as young as age 10 are being diagnosed with this dangerous disease. Left untreated, type 2 diabetes in children can progress into adulthood to cause blindness, kidney failure and heart disease.


What is Type 2 Diabetes?


Childhood Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin and cannot use insulin properly, becoming 'insulin resistant'. When this happens, blood sugar levels skyrocket. Unlike type 1 diabetes, which you are born with, type 2 is attributed to lack of a healthy diet and exercise. Obese children are at a greater risk of developing this disease compared to their more active counterparts.

Early Warning Signs of Type 2 Diabetes



Below are signs that will tell you if your child is at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.



Cholesterol - Have your child's cholesterol tested. Make sure to get the LDL (good cholesterol) and HDL (bad cholesterol) tested separately. Signs of type 2 are shown in either too low LDL or too high HDL and triglycerides.


BMI and Growth charts - If your child is extremely overweight according to the charts, or has had a large jump in weight, this is a warning sign
Symptoms of Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes



Symptoms to watch for if you think your child is at risk for type 2 diabetes.




High blood sugar levels - normal is in the 70 - 120 level.


Constantly thirsty, drinking fluids continuously.


Urinating more often than normal.


Feeling weak and tired.


Darkening of the skin at the base of the neck, folds of arms or around the eyes.


Slow healing of cuts, bug bites, etc.
Prevention of Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes



Preventing the risk of developing childhood type 2 diabetes is as simple as eating a healthy diet and exercising to prevent childhood obesity. You can start at any age, but the younger, the better. Some suggestions are:

1. Plan nutritious meals for the entire family choosing whole grain foods and good fats along with plenty of vegetables.


2. Toss out the '3 meals a day' routine and serve children smaller, more frequent meals.


3. Choose healthy snacks for children like fruit or dry popcorn.


4. Limit television and computer games and encourage your child to do physical activities. Join in with them and enjoy the exercise.
5. Add activity in small ways, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from stores and walking or riding your bike instead of driving.

Changing habits developed since childhood may be difficult, but don't discourage. The key to childhood obesity prevention is to make simple changes a little at a time until they become habit for you and your children. Remember, the changes you are making may save your child from a lifetime of illness.

For more information, parenting articles, free online weight assessment tools and downloads, childhood obesity advice, and other tips visit www.abcfitkids.com

Leigh Harrison
http://abcfitkids.com