Children and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes used to be known as
an obese adult disease. Today, the number of children who are being diagnosed
with type 2 diabetes has sky-rocketed, and will increase four-fold by 2050.
Studies have found that children who are obese have 40% lower
insulin-stimulated glucose metabolism compared to non-obese children. Children with type 2 diabetes typically are
diagnosed over the age of 10. They are most likely obese or extremely obese and
have glucose in their urine without ketones. Puberty can play a role in the
development of type 2 diabetes due to the secretion of growth hormone.
The American Diabetes Association
is recommending screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in children 10
years and older who are overweight and obese and have 2 of the following risk
factors.
1
Family history of type 2 diabetes
2
Minority race or ethnicity
3
Signs of insulin resistance or conditions associated
with insulin resistance
4
Maternal history of diabetes
There are many ways dietitians can improve
outcomes for their patients with type 2 diabetes. First, they must help parents
understand what diabetes is and how they can help their child. Since lifestyle
factors play a large role in the management of type 2 diabetes, it is helpful
to assess the family on their health beliefs and behaviors. It is important to focus on the parents
because parental obesity is a predictor of childhood obesity. Helping counsel
the parents may ultimately improve outcomes for the child.
Another way to improve outcomes is
to make culturally appropriate recommendations. As registered dietitians, we
must show that all cultures can fit into someone’s life who has diabetes.
Instead of focusing on eliminating certain foods, it may be helpful to focus on
portion control. Dietitians must also be careful about labeling food “good” and
“bad.” We want that child to be able to live as normal of a life as possible
and not feel restricted with their food options. Parents should monitor the
child’s blood glucose so they know when to decrease portions or provide
different carbohydrate options at different times. Finally, dietitians must be
sensitive to what the family can provide. Majority of people with type 2
diabetes come from families in the lowest annual household income category.
This may limit the types of foods they can buy. It is important to take that
into consideration when counseling a patient so they do not feel embarrassed
for what they can and cannot afford.
I think it is extremely important
for dietitians to remain on the forefront of diabetes and show our worth when
it comes to outcomes. With diabetes continuing to be on the rise, we must
understand the best techniques to counsel patients in order for them to have
the most successful outcomes possible.
-SR
-SR
http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/1117p32.shtml
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