Title: Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Young Adults: A “New Epidemic” | Clinical Diabetes
Headings: Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Young Adults: A “New Epidemic”
Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Young Adults: A “New Epidemic”
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Content: In addition to weight, activity level is also important. Diabetes occurs in children and teens who are inactive. With the sharp rise in computer games and TV-watching and the trend toward abandoning physical education in schools, fewer children are participating in sports. This increase in sedentary lifestyle has contributed to the type 2 diabetes epidemic. There is no doubt that the emergence of this epidemic in children and young adults is a major public health problem. Diabetes costs our nation more than $100 billion per year. It devastates lives and robs people of their health and well-being. It is time for our schools and communities to start to play a role in the prevention of diabetes in children. Schools have to focus on increasing children’s physical activity and improving their nutrition. Schools no longer have physical education curriculums designed to help optimize the health of America’s children.