Type-two diabetes, a disease commonly associated with middle-aged adults, is rapidly becoming more prevalent in teenagers and young adults. Experts attribute this problem to the growing percentage of children and teens who are overweight.
According to an Apr 6 article in USA Today, the number of obese children in America has almost doubled since the 1970s, resulting in 13 percent of adolescents being overweight, a condition that can result in diabetes, high blood pressure or stroke.
Type-one diabetes, also referred to as juvenile diabetes, is also a problem among many teenagers. According to the Biology Digest, 400,000 new cases of type-one diabetes are discovered in American children and young adults each year. The journal also states that at least 1 million Americans presently have type-one diabetes.
While living with diabetes, doctors say, patients should monitor blood-sugar level, eat healthful foods and remember regular insulin injections. However, some teenagers find it difficult to take regular insulin shots due to a busy teenage life. To address this problem, the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston is studying the effects of oral anti-diabetes drugs on children.
Information compiled from USA Today
Health Chips compiled by Colby Chapman
Colby Chapman. Colby Chapman is a junior page editor and sports writer for Silver Chips. She plays basketball and runs track for Blair, and she plays the piano as well. She is very committed to her academics but takes great pride in her athletics. More »
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