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Show Volume XI_ Issue IV THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS December Page 13 1, 2004 Kids and Diabetes: Increase in type 2 study shows parents are unaware, unconcerned Adults are not the only ones hit by the rising epidemic of diabetes. Though the majority of the 18.2 million Americans with diabetes are over the age of 20, the last decade has seen a disturbing increasing in the incidence of diabetes among children. As recently as the 1980’s, a diagnosis of diabetes in a child almost always meant type 1 diabetes—the kind of diabetes that occurs when the body fails to produce insulin, which is necessary to help the body use glucose (sugar) for fuel. But the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, which has grown to epidemic proportions over the past 20 years, has brought with it an increase in type 2 diabetes among our nation’s youth. This is the kind of diabetes most often associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle in adults, and it brings with it a host of serious complications. As with adults, type 2 diabetes is becoming more common among Native American, African American, and Hispanic and Latino children and adolescents, due to their increased genetic risk. Still, no class of people are immune. Most disturbing are the complications of the disease. betes complications include heart and kidney disease, stroke, and nerve damage that can lead to amputations. These types of problems typically begin about 10 to 20 years after a diabetes diagnosis—especially if blood glucose levels are elevated. When a diagnosis is made in the early teens, serious health problems can begin for people in their 20’s. Researchers fear that children who develop type 2 diabetes will experience reduced quality of life and even shortened life expectancies. It is very important for children with diabetes and their families to work closely with their health care provider to develop a diabetes treatment plan to reduce their risk of developing diabetes and future diabetes-related complications. A study presented in June 2004 during the American Diabetes Association’s 64th Annual Scientific Sessions found that a Service District TV Channel Update The Ogden Valley Translator/Recreation Special Service District is providing an updated listing below of the TV channels in the Valley. This translator board meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Ogden Valley Library in Huntsville at 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel 2 is 51 5 is 32 4 is 10 7 is 35 13 is 47 14 is 45 CBS NBC ABC KUED KSTU FOX KJAZZ surprisingly large number of children had a cluster of problems that puts them at high risk for serious health consequences. The survey of 1,700 eight-grade children in Texas, North Carolina, and California found that more than half had one or more health problems—such as being overweight or having cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood glucose abnormalities. The health problems place them a high risk for diabetes and premature cardiovascular disease unless steps are taken quickly to improve nutrition and to increase physical activity. According to the study, approximately 50 percent of children had a Body Mass Index (BMI) above the 85th percentile for their age and gender. Further, more than 40 percent had pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a formal diagnosis of diabetes. But having pre-diabetes greatly increases an individual’s risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A second study, performed in Britain, found that most of the parents of obese children were unaware that their children’s weight was above normal. According to the study, one-third of obese girls and half of the obese boys were rated by their parents as weighing “about — right.” Additionally, one-third of mothers and half the fathers who were either overweight or obese also rated themselves as being “about right.” When parents do not recognize overweight and obesity in their children—much less in themselves—major health problems are on the horizon. Recognizing excess weight is the essential first step in health promotion, including the prevention of diabetes. Without the concern of the parents, who are critical partners in influencing positive health behayiors in their children, we face an even greater challenge in stemming the developing epidemic of childhood type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is focusing on the connection between weight loss and type 2 diabetes through a campaign called “Weight Loss Matters.” This educational effort, which is sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Abbott Laboratories, is aimed at raising awareness about the role that weight loss and weight maintenance play in preventing and managing diabetes. The campaign features a five-part brochure series, available at physicians’ offices, that provides eee on the connection between weightand diabetes ly M Index (BMI) and identifying a healthy weight; weight loss tips; and portions control and exercise options. To learn more about Weight Loss Matters, lease visit <www.diabetes.org/weightlossmatters> or call 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has planned a Diabetes EXPO for Salt Lake City on April 9, 2005. The EXPO is a highly interactive event that includes professional speakers, wre to health care providers, a varietyof ADA programs and event information, exercise and cooking demonstrations, and much more. find out more about the American Diabetes Association Diabetes EXPO, call 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383) or visit <www.diabetes.org/expo> Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to all my clients and friends. All 143 of you. Fine Additions & Remodeling since 1981 DESIGN: CONSTRUCTION 745-6900 Settle into the relaxing resort lifestyle at Wolf Creek Resort. Minutes from Snowbasin and Powder Mountain, choose from 4 unique communities offering condominiums and free standing homes from $250,000 to $600,000. Gently sloping homesites offer the opportunity ene a to create your own mountain retreat with captivating views of the valley. Homesites are approximately 1/2 acre with a great selection of view options with prices starting at $135,000. |