Childhood Diabetes

It has been seen that these days the rate of diabetes in children has been growing at a shocking pace and this just indicates the high risks that the children of tomorrow face against various kinds of diseases. There have been various researches conducted in this matter and it has been proven that an estimated 22 million children around the world, who are under 5 years of age, are overweight or obese. Also these statistics reveal that approximately one in four American children is overweight.

However the big problem that the world faces today is that obesity is the root cause o most of the diseases, many of which can't be cured at later stages. Hence this projected picture clearly reflects that children are more susceptible to pediatric hypertension and type II diabetes. Along with this the children today are also prone to various other kinds of diseases like higher risks of heart disease. Thus there is an extra burden of weight on the joints and along with this there are also adverse social effects of these factors with peers.

In the medical community, many conducted researches and studies indicated a surge in childhood diabetes and of the children diagnosed with Type II diabetes. It was seen in these studies that at least 85% of children suffering from diabetes in their childhood are obese. It should be remembered that the causes of childhood obesity can be due to a combination of many factors but the two major contributors here are the lack of exercise and poor dietary habits. Hence those parents who want good health for their children and want to avoid these problems should find a solution for diabetes first.

These days' children are spending several hours a day in front of televisions and computers, which are sedate activities and along with it there is also lack of physical exercise programs at school. Hence these children are not able to provide enough energy to the body, which is required to burn off calorie intake. Apart from this energy levels continue to decline because additional weight is being gained. Thus such children are deprived of their recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise, which is not inclusive of what they do in school.

It should be remembered that physical exercises are vital for improving the health conditions of the body and to reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Through exercises the risks of various other diseases in children can be reduced and these include high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and maintaining healthy body weight. It has been seen that the dietary habits contribute to obesity in children and because of busy lifestyles in the two income households, children's health often suffers.

Hence it is required for the parents to help their children in avoiding junk food and vending machines. Instead they should help their children eat healthier foods, which would help in reducing risks of diabetes and other similar diseases. Parents should also encourage their children to eat healthy and perform regular forms of exercises or play some sport to balance that exercise.

• Cassandra Bagley
• 17/03/2009, 2:59 AM
• 0 Comments