Title: Type 2 Diabetes and Kids: The Growing Epidemic - Consumer Health News | HealthDay
Headings: Type 2 Diabetes and Kids: The Growing Epidemic
Type 2 Diabetes and Kids: The Growing Epidemic
Chris Woolston
Can children get type 2 diabetes?
Which children are at risk for type 2 diabetes?
What are the warning signs of type 2 diabetes?
Are there everyday consequences for children with type 2 diabetes?
How is childhood type 2 diabetes treated?
Can childhood type 2 diabetes be prevented?
References

Content: Scientists have found that certain fat cells are metabolically active and secrete chemicals that raise inflammation levels in the body and contribute to increased fat in the liver, which is a risk factor for insulin resistance -- a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Other studies have suggested that the type of obesity -- or where you store your fat -- may make a difference as well. Those who store it around the middle (the so-called apple shape) as deep belly fat are at higher risk of developing diabetes. Some experts believe that high-carbohydrate, low-fiber diets are part of the problem. Finally, because exercise makes your body's muscle cells more sensitive to insulin, a sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor. If your child rarely plays outside or exercises, then, he or she may be at greater risk of the disease. For unknown reasons, Native Americans, African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Latinos are also especially vulnerable to the disease. ( One theory is that people whose hunter or gatherer ancestors led "feast or famine" lives developed a "thrifty gene," which allowed for very efficient fat storage.) Researchers at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati found that, compared with children of European descent, African-American boys and girls were 3.5 and 6.1 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, respectively. And doctors at a Southern California diabetes clinic recently reported that 31 percent of young Mexican-American patients had the type 2 variety, compared with 3 percent of the white children.