Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body metabolizes sugar, also known as glucose.
Did you know that not long ago, only adults over the age of 40 developed type 2 diabetes? Why?
Because most people after college, will get married, have a family and are too busy to make time for
themselves. What was once a disease mainly faced by adults is becoming more common in children.
Type 2 diabetes is manageable and reversable if you make life style changes that can impact you and
your kids. Now, we are seeing kids under the age of 14 develop type 2 diabetes. Why? Is it normal and
what to look for?
1. Excessive thirst: Children who have excessive thirst may have high blood sugar levels.
2. Excessive fatigue: Blood sugar may be affecting their energy level.
3. Increased hunger: Children with diabetes don’t have enough insulin to provide fuel for their
body’s cells. Food becomes the next best source of energy, so children may experience hunger
more frequently.
4. Frequent urination: Excessive sugar levels in the bloodstream can lead to excessive sugar going
into the urine which is followed by water.
5. Slow healing sores: Sores or infections that are resistance to healing or slow to resolve may be
a sign of type 2 diabetes.
6. Darkened skin: Look for dark skin in the armpits and neck. Insulin resistance can cause skin to
darken.
Kids with a body mass index (BMI) above the 85th percentile were around four times as likely to be
diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. They are at greater risk for serious health problems as they get older.
Heart disease, eye problems, nerve damage, as well as, high blood pressure, and hypoglycemia are also
found in children with the diagnosis.
Latest study from the University of Eastern Finland shows risk factors of type 2 diabetes and
cardiovascular disease accumulate in children who have poor aerobic fitness. The newly published study
shows that children with poor aerobic fitness in proportion to their total body mass have a significantly
higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
For more information, visit our website. www.hope8020.com and join our program. Maurice Saliba
CDC Certified Pre-Diabetic Educator. Please visit our Facebook, like it, and share with your friends.