Kids Diabetes Alert - Are Your Kids At Risk?

When most people think of diabetes, they usually either think of young kids with Type I diabetes who need daily insulin shots or older, overweight adults with Type II diabetes.

 

Now though, with the childhood obesity epidemic, there has also been a big increase in the number of children with Type II diabetes, which used to be thought of as adult onset diabetes.

Diabetes Risk Factors

Obesity or being overweight is one of the biggest risk factors for diabetes, both in kids and adults. You can use our BMI Calculator to see if your children are overweight. If they are, it would be a good idea to discuss it with their Peditrician, help them to eat a more healthy diet, and increase their physical activity.

 

Your child's ethnic background can also be a risk factor for diabetes, which is more common in American Indian, African-American, Hispanic American, and Asians/South Pacific Islander children.

 

A family history of diabetes, especially in first- and second-degree relatives, can also be a risk factor for children developing type 2 diabetes. Unlike kids with type I diabetes, who usually only have a 5% chance of having a family member with diabetes, type 2 diabetics have a 74-100% chance of having a family member with diabetes.

Symptoms of Diabetes

In children with Type I diabetes, the typical symptoms are well known, including increased urination (polyuria), increased drinking (polydipsia) and weight loss.

Type II diabetes is more subtle in children, who are usually overweight and either have mild or no polyuria or polydipsia. Another sign or symptom of Type II diabetes is acanthosis nigricans, a black, velvety discoloration to a child's neck and skin folds.

Testing Children for Diabetes

All children who are at risk for diabetes should be tested or screened, beginning when they start puberty or by age 10, since most kids are diagnosed during middle-to-late puberty.

 

The American Diabetic Association considers kids at risk and requiring testing if they are overweight and has any two other risk factors, including:

• a family history of type 2 diabetes in first- and second-degree relatives,
• belonging to a certain race/ethnic group (American Indians, African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asians/South Pacific Islanders),
• having signs of insulin resistance or conditions associated with insulin resistance (acanthosis nigricans, hypertension, dyslipidemia, PCOS)

Some children who don't meet these criteria may also be tested based on a your Pediatrician's clinical judgement.

 

Testing for Type II diabetes should usually include a fasting plasma glucose level, which will be high (hyperglycemia) if your child has diabetes. Other tests might include a urine glucose test, which will likely show sugar in the child's urine (glycosuria), a random glucose, and/or a HbA1c (a more long term test of glucose levels).

 

Since your child is likely overweight if he is being tested for Type II diabetes, he should usually also have his cholesterol tested at this time.

 

If testing is normal, you should still help your child be more active and have a more healthy diet. While your child is at risk, testing is usually repeated every two years.

 

Source: By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com Guide

 

Diabetes Dictionary

A

 

 

Adrenal glands
Glands located at the top of each kidney that secrete important hormones for the function of many organ systems in the body.

Adrenaline
One of the secretions of the adrenal glands. It helps the liver release glucose (sugar) and limit the release of insulin. It also makes the heart beat faster and can raise blood pressure.

Alpha Cells
Alpha cells are found in the pancreas. They produce a hormone called glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels. 

Antibodies
Proteins that the body makes to protect itself from foreign substances.

Antibody
A special kind of protein made by the immune system that is released in response to something foreign in the body eg. virus. Antibodies help fight infection.

Autoimmunity
Pertaining to development of an immune response to one's own tissue. 

B

Basal Bolus Injections
Insulin injections four times a day.

Beta Cells
Cells in the pancreas that make the hormone insulin.

Biopsy
Removal of a small amount of tissue or fluid from the body, examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present. 

Blood Glucose Level (BGL)
The amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream.

Blood Glucose Meter
A device used to measure blood glucose levels.

Bovine (beef) insulin
Insulin extracted from the pancreas of cattle. Has been replaced by human insulin.

C

Carbohydrate
A nutrient in food that provides a major source of energy. Usually found in grains, fruits, starchy vegetables and dairy foods. Is broken down to glucose in the blood stream and raises blood glucose levels.

Cannula
A small tube that is inserted into the body to assist in various methods of insulin delivery eg. pumps, insuflon.

Cholesterol
A fatty waxy substance made by the body and also found in some foods. High levels of cholesterol in the blood stream are a risk factor for heart disease.

Coeliac Disease
A condition where there is an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in foods that causes damage to the small intestine.

Complications
The long term effects of uncontrolled diabetes on the body.

Convulsion
A fit or seizure that can be a symptom of severe or untreated hypoglycaemia.

D

Dawn Phenomenon
This occurs when BGLs rise in the early hours of the morning due to the natural release of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A sudden loss of control of type 1 diabetes with high blood glucose levels and breakdown of fat leading to a build up of acids in the blood with nausea, vomiting and dehydration. Without urgent medical attention, DKA can lead to coma and death.

Diabetes Educator
A health professional who specialises in providing education about the management of diabetes.

Diabetes Dietitian
A health professional who provides advice on the dietary management of diabetes.

Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)
A 10-year study (1983 - 1993) in the United States to assess the effects of intensive therapy on the long–term complications of diabetes.

E

Endocrinologist
A doctor who specialises in the management of diseases of the glands, including the adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid glands, ovaries, testicles and pancreas.

Enzymes
A special protein made in the body that assists with naturally occurring biological functions of the body.

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)
The loss of a man’s ability to have an erection. Some men may become impotent after having diabetes for a long time because the nerves or blood vessels have become damaged. Sometimes the problem has nothing to do with diabetes and may be treated with counselling.

F

Fats
One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy in the body. Fats help the body use some vitamins and keep the skin healthy. They also serve as energy stores for the body. In food, there are three types of fats: saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.

Fibre
A substance found in foods that come from plants. Fibre helps in the digestive process and is thought to lower cholesterol and help control blood glucose (sugar). The two types of fibre in food are soluble and insoluble.

Fit
A convulsion or seizure that can be a symptom of severe or untreated hypoglycaemia.

G

Gastroparesis
A complication of diabetes that causes delayed digestion resulting in unpredictable swings in blood glucose levels

Glucose
The body’s main source of energy.

Glucagon
A hormone made by the pancreas that causes the liver to release glucose from body stores. Manufactured glucagon is injected to raise blood glucose levels in a person with severe hypoglycaemia.

Glycaemic Index
A ranking of carbohydrate foods according to their effect on blood glucose levels.

Glycemic Response
The effect of different foods on blood glucose (sugar) levels over a period of time.

Glycemic Load
The predicted effect of a food on blood glucose levels that takes into account glycemic index and total available carbohydrate.

Glycogen
The body’s stores of glucose in the liver and muscle which release glucose (sugar) into the blood when needed by cells. Glycogen is the chief source of stored fuel in the body.

H

HbA1c
A test to identify the average blood glucose level over the last 2-3 months. Also known as glycosylated haemoglobin, this test measures the amount of glucose that attaches to red blood cells which depends on how much glucose is in the bloodstream. If BGLs have been high over the 2-3 month period, more glucose will attach to the red blood cells and HbA1c will be high. If BGLs are mostly within the recommended range, then HbA1c will be closer to the desired level.

Honeymoon Period
A remission phase after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when there is partial, temporary recovery of insulin production by the pancreas. The amount of injected insulin required to manage diabetes is significantly reduced. The honeymoon period may last a few months to a year.

Hormone
Hormones are chemicals released by special cells that tell other cells what to do. For instance, insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas. When released, insulin tells other cells to use glucose (sugar) for energy.

Human Insulin
Insulin that has been manufactured to be identical to that produced naturally in the human pancreas.

Hyperglycaemia
Blood glucose levels higher than the desirable range.

Hypoglycaemia
Blood glucose levels lower than the desirable range.

Hyperlipidemia
Too high a level of fats (lipids) in the blood.

I

IDDM 
Insulin dependant diabetes mellitus, now known as type 1 diabetes.

Immune system
A system of the body that provides protection from infection.

Infusion Set
Consists of a length of thin plastic tubing with a lock connector at one end, attached to a very small cannula placed under the skin. It is connected to the insulin pump and used to deliver insulin to the body.

Infusion Site
The place on the body where the infusion set needle is inserted under the skin.

Injection
The introduction of medication into the body with a delivery device eg. needle and syringe, pen, pump. A person with diabetes injects insulin by putting the needle into the tissue under the skin (called subcutaneous). Other ways of giving medicine or nourishment by injection are putting the needle into a vein (intravenous/IV) or putting the needle into a muscle (intramuscular/IM).

Injection Site
The place on the body where the insulin is injected.

Insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that is responsible for controlling blood glucose levels.

Insulin Resistance
The inability of the body to recognise and use insulin as it should.

Intramuscular
Into the muscle.

J

Juvenile Onset Diabetes
Another name for type 1 diabetes.

K

Ketones
Acids in the blood formed when body fat is used instead of glucose to provide energy.

L

Lancets
A sharp needle like device used to prick the skin to test the blood glucose level.

Lipohypertrophy
Fatty lumps that form when insulin is constantly injected into the same area.

Long acting insulin
Insulin that is absorbed slowly into the body after injection. Commonly used in conjunction with short acting insulin in the management of type 1 diabetes in children.

M

Macrovascular 
Referring to the large blood vessels of the body.

Metformin
A tablet that lowers blood glucose levels by blocking the release of glucose from the liver. Usually used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, sometimes used for weight management in children with type 1 diabetes in conjunction with insulin.

Microvascular 
Referring to the small blood vessels of the body.

Millimole (mmol)
A unit for measuring the concentration of glucose and other substances in the blood.

Microalbuminuria
Leakage of small amounts of protein into the urine.

Monounsaturated fat
A healthy fat that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Found in olive and canola oil, nuts and avocadoes.

N

NDSS
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is a Federal Government funded initiative, administered on behalf of the Government by Diabetes Australia. For further information see Advocacy and Support.

Nephropathy
Damage to the kidneys.

Neuropathy
Damage to parts of the nervous system.

NIDDM
Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus, now known as type 2 diabetes.

P

Paediatric
About children.

Paediatric Endocrinologist 
A doctor who specialises in the management of diseases of the glands, including the adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid glands, ovaries, testicles and pancreas in children.

Pancreas
A gland or organ behind the stomach that produces hormones such as insulin.

Polydipsia
Excessive thirst and drinking large amounts of water.

Polyunsaturated fat
A healthy fat that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Found in fish, vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, nuts and seeds.

Polyuria
Passing large amounts of urine due to excess glucose in the blood stream.

Porcine (pork) insulin
Insulin extracted from the pancreas of pigs. Has been replaced by human insulin.

Post-prandial
After a meal.

Protein
A nutrient in food that is important for growth, development and repair of tissues. Food high in protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy foods.

R

Retinopathy
Damage to the small blood vessels at the back of the eye.

S

Saturated fat
A type of fat that has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Found in animal foods such as butter, full fat dairy foods, and fatty meats, as well as many processed and takeaway foods.

Sharps
A word commonly used to describe syringes, pen needles and lancets used by people with diabetes which require safe disposal after use.

Short acting insulin
Insulin that is absorbed quickly into the body after injection. Commonly used in conjunction with long acting insulin in the management of type 1 diabetes in children.

Sliding Scale
A method of insulin adjustment based on blood glucose levels.

Social Worker
A health professional who helps families cope with the diagnosis of diabetes and the impact on family life.

Subcutaneous
Underneath the skin.

T

Thyroid
A large gland located at the base of the neck that releases an important hormone for the control of normal growth and development in children, and maintenance of normal metabolism in adults.

Type 1 diabetes 
Also known as insulin dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas stops making insulin. Requires daily insulin injections for survival.

Type 2 diabetes 
Also known as non- insulin dependent diabetes, occurs when there is either insufficient insulin or the insulin produced does not work effectively.

U

Ultra short acting insulin 
These insulins are absorbed after injection and have a shorter duration than short acting insulins eg. Humalog and Novorapid.

Unit
A method of measurement eg. insulin dose.

 

Source: http://www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.au/diabetes_dictionary.html 

Australian Diabetes Council

Coaching Kids For Health: Managing Type 2 Diabetes In Children, Part 1

If you are the parent of a child with Type 2 Diabetic children, then read on! 

 

You must learn as much as possible about the condition. To coach your child to better health, you need a solid plan, which relies less on pharmaceuticals and more on lifestyle choices. Have you heard that Diabetes 2 is called a "lifestyle disease?" While parents of the children suffered from this disease spend thousands of dollars on vitamin supplements, mineral supplements and liquid vitamins, nothing replaces appropriate lifestyle choices.

 

Alarming Children's Diabetes Rates

Children are diagnosed with diabetes each day and that number is increasing. Type 1 Diabetes, otherwise known as childhood diabetes, is typically diagnosed in childhood and usually represents only 5% of all diabetes cases. Type 2 Diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, is more common and was once thought to be a disease that only afflicted adults over 30 years of age.

 

However, recent figures show that it is becoming increasingly common in children and teens. The prevalence has been rising at a startling rate over the last 10 years. The National Association of School Nurses report that approximately 1 out of every 500 children and teenagers has this disease. Furthermore, an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine by Dr. William Dietz, reports that almost half of diabetes cases in children and adolescents are type 2. A 50% rate of Type 2 Diabetes was unheard of 20 years ago. Most physicians believe this increase in Type 2 Diabetes rates is due to increasing obesity, poor food choices and the progressively more sedentary lifestyle experienced by children today.

 

Insulin Is Key

With type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce insulin. Insulin acts to keep blood glucose levels from rising too high. That's why type 1 diabetics have to take insulin on a daily basis. However, with Type 2, the pancreas still produces insulin. The problem is that either the amount of insulin produced in not enough to control blood glucose levels, or the body becomes resistant to the blood sugar lowering effects of insulin. Unfortunately, parents and children alike mistakenly believe that a prescription medication for Type 2 Diabetes will solve the problem. Prescription drugs, in theory, provide a quick fix to illnesses and diseases and are reasonably safe when taken as directed. Insulin and the oral drug Metformin are the only FDA approved prescription drugs for treatment of diabetes 2 in children. However, these drugs are not as safe as the FDA may want you to believe.

 

Daily insulin injections are associated with a plethora of side effects, which can range from weight gain to dangerously low blood glucose levels.

This, in turn, may cause fatigue, dizziness and fainting.

 

The safety profile of Metformin is not much better. For example, a study led by Dr Kenneth Jones reported that in 42 children treated with Metformin, 14% dropped out of the study within 4 months, 10% required rescue medication and a startling 70% experienced at least one adverse event (most common side effects were abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and headache).

 

Given the evidence, Metformin can hardly be considered a safe drug. This reveals that just because FDA approved the drug doesn't necessarily mean that it is risk free. Clearly, parents need better alternatives to prescription medications to help treat this in children.

 

Screen Children for Diabetes

• the American Diabetes Association recommends that children aged 10 years or older with the following characteristics need to be screened for Type 2 Diabetes:
• Body mass index (a number calculated from height and body weight) is in the 85th percentile or higher, or if body weight is greater than 120% of normal for their height and any 2 of the following
• Family history of this Diabetes in a first or second degree relative such as a mother, brother or first cousin.
• Ethnic background is African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian or Pacific Islander. People of these ethnic origins have higher rates of Type 2 Diabetes than people of other backgrounds.
• Signs of insulin resistance such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypertension or high triglyceride levels.

It is difficult to detect it, especially in children. Symptoms are usually nonexistent or mild in the early stages of the disease, which may be overlooked for long periods of time. Some telltale signs of possible Type 2 Diabetes include:

• Constant thirst,
• Frequent urination or bed-wetting,
• Fatigue,
• Blurred vision and
• Darkened skin around the neck or underarms.

The darkened skin is called Acanthosis nigricans or A for short and is caused by insulin resistance. In this state the body produces insulin, but it is simply not being used. Hence, a build-up in the body, which results in AN. About 75% of young people with this lifestyle disease experience the A side effect.

 

Dr. Caron Goode is gifted with compassion in assisting others to effect lasting transformation through spiritual coaching, books, classes and seminars. Caron's continuous education, experience in psychology and professional writing makes her a great resource for parents wishing to create and maintain a nurturing relationship their children.

 

For more details about this article so please click this link: http://academyforcoachingparents.com/blog/

 

For information, please visit our website: http://academyforcoachingparents.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Caron_Goode

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6368031

How To Prevent Diabetes

While type 1 diabetes is not preventable, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day and healthy eating habits. Split moderate exercises up into 10 minute increments to help prevent diabetes with tips from a family nurse practitioner in this free video on diabetes prevention.

Source: Video: How to Prevent Diabetes | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/video_4774643_prevent-diabetes.html#ixzz2P1SKwyuf

 

How Do People Get Diabetes?

People get diabetes due to genetic factors and unhealthy behavior. Staying at a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is one of the most important factors in preventing diabetes. Get information on how different types of diabetes develop from a family nurse practitioner in this free video on diabetes.

Source: Video: How Do People Get Diabetes? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/video_4774637_do-people-diabetes_.html#ixzz2P1Ti5vY5

Op-Ed: It's Time to Finally Kick Junk Food Out of Schools

I’m sure you’ve seen the statistics. Nearly one in three kids and teens are now overweight or obese—that’s about 23 million—putting them at greater risk for health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and even some cancers. Rates are even higher in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, as more than 39 percent of Latino and African American children and teens are overweight or obese.

For the first time in American history, the current generation of kids might not live longer than their parents’ generation.

Fortunately, hundreds of thousands of people across the country are stepping up to the plate when it comes to improving the future for these kids. Now you have a chance to do the same.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently proposed nutritional guidelines that would make sure schools sell only healthy snacks and drinks to students during the school day. This is a vital part of the effort to help young people eat healthier, as students consume 35-50 percent of their daily calories at school.

The USDA already is working to improve the nutritional quality of school meals, which is good news.

But the agency hasn’t updated its guidelines for food sold outside of meals since 1979. That means that schools have been able to sell everything from candy to potato chips to sugary drinks.

These foods and drinks are a big part of what kids eat, too—nearly 40 percent of students buy a snack at school every day. Even kids who eat a healthy lunch might still consume excess calories by buying a side of french fries. Other youngsters might skip the healthy meal and just grab an a la carte item in the cafeteria to eat, such as a slice of pizza.

The proposed guidelines would make sure all snacks and beverages are nutritious, whether they are sold as a la carte items in the cafeteria, in vending machines or in student stores.

Some states already have implemented strong nutritional guidelines for school snacks, and studies show that these efforts can help to prevent weight gain. For example, a 2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children and teens in states with strong laws restricting the sale of unhealthy snack food and drinks gained less weight over a three-year period than those living in states without such a policy. In addition, students who were overweight or obese in fifth grade were less likely to be by the time they reached eighth grade if they lived in a state with strong school snack laws.

Isn’t it time that all kids across the country grow up attending schools that offer only healthy snacks and drinks? Tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture that you support strong nutritional guidelines for snacks and drinks sold at school.

Takepart.com – Fri, Mar 29, 2013