by Peter
J. Nebergall, Ph.D.
We are regularly bombarded with the alarming news that type 2 diabetes (also known as "Non-Insulin-Dependent" or "Adult-Onset" diabetes) is on the rise among children. We are regularly warned of its consequences. Getting past the alarm bells, what is happening? What do we really know?
We hear that type 2 is "genetic" (it passes down through families), and that it has something to do with being fat, and with inactivity. We note that some "ethnicities" show higher percentages of type 2 than do others. But we have many questions.
First, if a disease "runs in a family," does that prove it is "genetic?" If you live where your parents and grandparents lived, live as they lived, and eat what they ate, any environmental pathogens they were subject to, you will be subject to as well. This is the influence of environment and lifestyle.
Also, what's an "ethnicity?" We're all "mixes," these days. Especially in the United States, we're all part this, part that and part the other, not genetically "pure" anything -- so there is really no "ethnic inevitability" on one side or the other. The "ethnicities" that show more disease -- are of course the ones that have less access to healthy food and good health care.Second, we know our lifestyle is changing, in many ways for the worse. Our bodies are evolved to labor.
We need to run, to climb, to swim, to wrestle. When we don't; when we sit back, punch buttons, and watch, we grow - 'round the middle. Ride a horse, push a plow, swing an axe, kick a ball, run a race -- or watch football, and play a computer game?
We know that type 2 diabetes is a result of something called "insulin resistance (IR)," and when this IR is combined with obesity and inactivity, in child or adult, type 2 has a good chance of expressing. BUT -- we still don't know what causes insulin resistance. Once we do, we will have more options for treatment, maybe even for prevention and cure.
Until then, there are two things we can all do. First, we can accept that obesity is both treatable and preventable, and lead by positive example. Children who see their parents, teachers, and adult role models are fit, are active, and eat sensibly - are likely to do the same themselves, just as children with diabetic parents, whose parents are doing a good job of self-managing the condition, will do a better job themselves, should they develop it later. We follow our role models -- so the role models have a responsibility to lead well.
Second, we can keep our eyes open. Type 2 is sneaky; by the time it is extremely obvious someone is unwell, the disease has been present perhaps for years -- and doing damage to heart, eyes, kidneys, and nervous system. We're still working on ways to prevent and cure type 2 -- but we already have good, effective ways to manage it; and as soon as the doctor knows a child has the condition, medications can be prescribed and lifestyle changes can be ordered, greatly reducing the risks of destructive diabetic complications. So it is up to parents, teachers, and role models, again, to see that children who might be "at risk" get tested for diabetes.
How do we learn more? How do we arrange for children to be screened for type 2 diabetes? There are many sources for information (including our Web site: www.nfb.org/voice.htm); but a good one is Rick Mendosa's site: www.mendosa.com and then you need to read his "Diabetes Directory" and "Advice for Newbies."
Above all else, remember, the test for diabetes is cheap and simple, and if there's any doubt, your child should have it, and it mightn't be a bad idea to get tested yourself.