Anti-Diabetes Tips for Kids – Its Never Too Early to Start Worrying
by Charlene J. Nuble
Last September 28, 2006, the Delta Regional Authority at Washington announced their intention to spend $1M over the next year for a diabetes-awareness campaign in its 8 Delta states.
The group is hoping to make TV commercials for various regions that will encourage people to learn more about diabetes through their toll-free hotline, the call center of which will be headquartered at Little Rock.
Co-chairman of the group Pete Johnson stated that diabetes wasnt only a public health issue for the states they were concerned but also an economic development issue. Alternate co-chairman Rex Nelson also mentioned that his fight against diabetes was part of his overall health plan for the Delta states, knowing that theirs was “the most unhealthy workforce in the country”.
Johnson added that 5 of the Delta states featured at the top 10 areas for cases of diabetes. Statistics also show the troubling prediction that 1/3 of children born in 2000 are likely to suffer from diabetes.
How to Help Your Kid Avoid Developing Diabetes
The best way to fight diabetes is through awareness and action. Diabetes is a disorder resulting from extremely high blood glucose or sugar levels, the cause of which is still unknown, although genetics has been acknowledged to play a role to some extent. Contrary to popular belief however, eating too much sweets is not a direct cause to diabetes, but rather obesity may be a prelude to the disease.
If left untreated, diabetes can lead to several serious medical complications including amputation of body parts, development of other diseases, and worst, death.
There are 2 classifications for this disease. Type 1 can already be detected at an early age but can be successfully treated without insulin. Type 2 usually affects individuals over 45 and stronger medications, including insulin, are required to counter the debilitating effects of diabetes.
To determine whether your kid is already shows signs of suffering from diabetes then do watch out for the following symptoms: Does he seem to experience thirst or hunger more often than usual? Does he urinate more often than usual? Does he show signs of gaining or shedding off pounds without apparently doing anything? Does it takes his wounds more slowly than usual to heal? Does he complain of his skin getting dry and itchy? Does he complain of having blurry eyesight?
You can also ask yourself the following questions to determine if your family history plays a central role or if your care is sufficient to prevent your child from contracting diabetes.
Is anyone in my family suffering from diabetes? Ethnicity also can prove to be significant. Studies have shown that people who are of American Indian, Hispanic American, African American, and Asian descent are more prone to developing this disease.
Obesity is also another factor. Although its certainly commendable that you wish your child to never experience the pangs of starvation, allowing your child to eat too much, especially the unhealthy type of food, will be to his disadvantage in the long run. Always make sure that your child adheres to the proper diet as well. Its never too early to start eating healthy after all.
And as usual, whenever diets around, the need for exercise is sure to be present as well. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities or have him undergo a daily exercise routine. Keeping fit is also one of the best ways to stay a step ahead of diabetes for any gender at any age!
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Charlene J. Nuble
For All the things you need to know about diabetes, please go to: Anti-Diabetes