Type 2 Diabetes in Children and the Role of Parents
Unfortunately diabetes regardless of the type does not discriminate. It does not care who you are, where you live how, your finances, your race, or even your age. When discussing Type 2 and children statistics have shown that there is an increase in the number of children being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes each year. Understand that Type 2 was commonly referred to as an adult onset disease (it was diagnosed at age 40 or older) and is considered the disease of lifestyle. According to the Centers of Disease Control, the individuals who are being diagnosed are members of all ethnic groups but even though the disease is seen more in those who are African American, and Hispanics, there is more prevalence in those who are American Indian. Children who are diagnosed with Type 2 are usually between the ages of 10-19,. They are obese, have a strong family history and are insulin resistant. These children are usually not very compliant with their diabetes management and are in poor glycemic control with A1Cs on average between 10%-12% and at times even higher.
Keeping in mind the strong family history, let us address some other issues that are definitely contributors to the increase of Type 2 in children. Exposure to diabetes while in the womb puts a child at greater risk. That simply means that mom had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. While this is true, let us target some other reasons why the increase of Type 2 in children. The lack of physical activity, and lack of exposure to good healthy food are two of the primary reasons. Although the complaint is that there isn't enough physical activity in school what about when the child is at home with parents or guardians. Verbalizing sensitivity to the fact that some neighborhoods may not be safe enough to walk, that is still not a good enough excuse for inactivity. In the age of the video games that incorporate exercise features children should be moving more than ever. No one needs expensive gym memberships or gym equipment to get physically active. Using your own body can get you great results, but there must be a desire to get moving, and parents must get more actively involved.
As far as the healthier food options are concerned, understanding that there may not be good grocery stores in the area, and there may not be transportation or even in some parents' case time to get to these places because of work schedules, or more importantly,the cost of healthy foods. However,there has to be a happy medium. If you must frequent those neighborhood stores then make it a point to purchase food that will require actual cooking. Stay away from the processed foods, frozen dinners, and any other quick foods that appear to make life easier. Another recommendation would be to decrease the amount of fast food eaten. It just makes you crave more, and in no way does it contribute to good diabetes management. Better options could be to locate the lower cost shopping stores such as shoppers, Aldi, and farmer's market. Purchasing frozen veggies instead of fresh during off seasons because they are more nutrient dense since they are picked during their peak seasons. Other options such as utilizing coupons from the newspaper also help with cost , but you must be patient and willing to take the time to cut them out.
While the focus may be on the children, it simply would not be fair to ignore the parents and the role they play in the success of their children. Therefore, let me apologize in advance for offending anyone for my intent is to bring clarity where cloudiness resides not insult. As parents it is our responsibility to ensure that our children are provided the basic things in life such as food, shelter, and clothing. However, as parents we do not limit our children to just the bare basics. They are provided much more than that for an extensive amount of time (well past 18). For instance, while as parents we provide food, a much needed component to "good health" and survival, unfortunately, it is not always the best type of food. For example, instead of cooking a healthy meal that includes protein, carbohydrate and veggies, we give burger fries, pizza, burritos , and other types of fast food along with a sweetened drink. Moreover if we are feeling guilty, we may insist on a diet drink (what is the point, the calories have already been consumed). As we peruse the freezer and cabinets one might see processed foods such mozzarella sticks, pizza, bagel bites, chips cookies juice (kool-aid, hugs, sodas) and many other quick and easy items. Again, this is not meant to be an insult, this is clarity.
Are you really sure that buying such food is much cheaper than healthier options? Sure it may come in bulk, that may not always be the best option. Also, the misconception is that while it may very well be cheaper to purchase at that moment, is it really cheaper on a long term basis? Does one really think and believe that eating this way is really less than the cost of diabetes prevention or diabetes management? The problem is that children have been allowed to dictate to parents what they will and will not eat and unfortunately parents have relinquished their parental wisdom of knowing what is good for their children to simply keeping peace in the valley. However in all fairness to the children (since we are supposed to be here to guide them), there are those cases where a parent who because of their own dislike for certain foods never exposed their own children to those specific food regardless of the health benefits. Resulting in their acting more like children themselves and less like parents. This is by far the most ridiculous way of thinking, and parents who do this need to rethink their view, and expand their palate.
Let us look at it this way, as parents we always want to give our kids the best of everything regardless of the situation. That is simply the nature of being a parent. However, if you are able to purchase top of the line sneakers, high quality clothes, nail and hair products and services, designer shoes and bags and let us not forget the "bling" to accessorize and keep one looking fabulous on the outside, why not invest in good quality food to help them from the inside. As an educator, I can recall seeing a teen and her mom in the office one day when the IPad first came out. This young woman"s A1C was > 14% and yet she was enjoying her new IPAD. I asked mom what did she do to deserve such an expensive gift and she had no answer for me. This form of parenting is irritating to me, because it demonstrates parents trying to be friends to their children instead of parents.
While having kids look great is fine, wouldn't it be far worth the effort to ensuring that their insides feel and work great as well? The point is simply this, trying to cut corners in the area of health always will inevitably cost you far more in the long run because now you must continuously have medication and supplies to control the condition. Parents, We are the example, WE are the ones who set the stage and tone for good health, WE lay the foundation, and WE must take back the power and execute the wisdom bestowed upon us to help our kids maintain good health. WE don't stop being parents just because they can tell us what they don't like or do like, or more importantly when they reach a certain chronological age. WE are parents until one of us takes our last breath and it is our job to continue to guide our kids in any aspect especially health. If you know that you are not in good health then this is the perfect time to reassess your own value and belief system, make the necessary modifications and get on the path toward better health, forget the old adage of "do as I say and not as I do", because our children are watching and mimicking our behavior.
Note that the number of children being diagnosed with type 2 is increasing and will continue to do do unless action is taken. Just something to think about the next time there is a new bag, new shoes/sneakers, new electronic games and systems to be purchased, or even a new fast food to try. Believe me the list for kids is endless.
