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When a child is diagnosed with diabetes it is commonly referred to as juvenile diabetes or type 1 diabetes. This type of diabetes is not related to a child’s lifestyle, it is an autoimmune disease that results in the need for insulin injections for food to be turned into energy properly. In recent years there has been an increased number of children that have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is an alarming trend and one that can be mitigated because the link between children and type 2 diabetes is childhood obesity.
As it is fairly new that children are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes there isn’t a lot of information or studies on it presently. But what is known is that parents need to take action immediately. Once a child has been diagnosed at an older age there isn’t much that can be done except to manage the disease. But if a younger child is obese and makes healthy lifestyle changes that result in weight loss there is a chance that type 2 diabetes can be avoided.
Some of the early warning signs that your child may have diabetes include:
* A sudden increase in thirst that appears to never be satiated
* An increased need to urinate
* Dark patches on the skin – usually found in the folds of the skin, around the neck
or around the eyes
As there are many other diseases and complications that can arise if your child is obese it is best to seek medical help for your child. Between you and your healthcare professional, a plan can be made and put into place that will start your child on the road to a healthier weight and more active lifestyle. Your child may be resistant at first but by involving them in the process and persistence the changes can be made.
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