It seems that every year we see more and more improvements in the field of medicine. New diseases are being cured; pharmaceuticals improve our quality of life. Diabetes in teens is, unfortunately, one condition not being eradicated with new medical advances. Signs of diabetes in teens are taking a turn for the worse. Even more alarming is that type one diabetes in teens is becoming more and more common. And this used to be the “middle-age” diabetes – seen primarily in people in their mid-forties or later. It may be more than a coincidence that the bulge in the waistline used to be reserved primarily for middle-aged adults as well. But this isn’t the case anymore either.

 

Type 1 Diabetes in Teens

 

In type1diabetes, the pancreas cells that make insulin are damaged. Most people with type 1 will take an insulin shot or shots every day. The symptoms of diabetes in teens with type 1 adjust their dosage according to their activity and eating levels. Years ago, type 1 used to be referred to as juvenile diabetes. It was thought that the cause of type 1 diabetes in teens was genetic or caused by some virus or toxins the child was exposed to. But researchers are now able to predict who is at risk for getting type 1 diabetes and one day may be able to prevent its onset. It is known that making the right choices about food and activity levels can play a role in when and if it becomes unmanageable.

 

Type 2 Diabetes in Teens

 

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes insulin but the cells of the body don’t use the insulin produced very well. Type 2 used to be called adult onset diabetes. But more and more every year, children and teenagers are developing it. Obesity is a known contributor and all you have to do is look around you to see that our children are getting more overweight every year. Years ago, children spent the day outside playing, or excising, even though they didn’t really exercise. The point is they were active. Today, computers, video games, and television have our children leading a sedentary lifestyle long before they should. And instead of eating healthy food, the proliferation of processed food and fast food is making our children overweight and obese at an alarming rate. It is thought that this is the major contributing factor to the increase of type 2 diabetes in teens.

 

How Can This Trend Be Reversed

 

You may not be able to do much to help society at large, but you can help your own teen or child, or if you are a teenager reading this, you can help yourself.

  • Be active everyday
  • Eat healthy foods, natural foods, and avoid processed or fast foods
  • Eat the right portion size for your age
  • Keep a healthy weight for your age and height
  • Avoid stress – video games, for example, actually increase stress levels

 

Don’t let the increase in diabetes in teens affect you or someone in your family. Take charge! Small but consistent changes can and will make a difference.