This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Global Diabetes Crisis Spreading to Children
Children Following Adults as Latest Victims of Type 2 Diabetes Epidemic
May 11, 2005 -- The global epidemic of type 2 diabetes in adults is now spreading to children.
Less than two decades ago, type 2 diabetes was virtually unheard of among children and accounted for less than 3% of new diabetes cases among children and adolescents.
But a new study shows that type 2 diabetes now accounts for up to 45% of new diabetes cases among adolescents worldwide. The rate of type 2 diabetes among younger children is also rising dramatically.
Researchers say the rapid rise of type 2 diabetes in young people follows a similar rise among adults and is largely due to
Weight gain, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise hamper the ability of the hormone insulin to do its job and regulate blood sugar levels. The body initially compensates by producing more insulin to normalize blood sugars. Eventually the pancreas can't keep up and blood sugar levels rise, leading to the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.
Children Next in Diabetes Epidemic
Type 2 diabetes was first recognized as in the U.S. in the 1990s. Similar rates are now being reported in Europe, Asia, and other parts of the world.
In the study, which appears in the May issue of the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers reviewed published reports on type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents between 1978 and 2004 worldwide.
Researchers found that there appears to be a close relationship between type 2 diabetes rates in adults in a particular region or ethnic group and the eventual appearance of the disease in children and adolescents in the same group. Type 2 diabetes in children was diagnosed earliest in those countries with the highest rates of type 2 diabetes among adults.
Based on information gathered from these international studies, researchers estimate that up to 45% of all new diabetes cases in adolescents are classified as type 2 diabetes.
Ethnic Groups at Risk
The study also shows that the growth of type 2 diabetes within ethnic groups is particularly dramatic.
For example, 80% of new diabetes cases among children in Japan and 70% of new cases among Native Americans are now type 2 diabetes compared with the 45% global average.
The report also shows that the Pima Indians in Arizona have the world's highest rates of type 2 diabetes in adults in addition to the highest rates of obesity, which is now leading to rising type 2 diabetes rates among the children in this group.
Other regions reporting higher percentages of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents include New York City, Taiwan, New Zealand, and Canada.
Researchers say the study shows that obesity-related illnesses like type 2 diabetes are quickly becoming a global problem that requires major lifestyle changes among the affected peoples to reverse this trend.
© 2005 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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