Children with Type 2 Diabetes Develop Complications at a Very Young Age
Children with type 2 diabetes develop complications at a very young age. This study looked at 26-year-old individuals who developed diabetes as children. The average duration of diabetes was 13 years. Most alarmingly, half of these young adults already had chronic kidney disease which relentlessly progresses in usual care. A third had neuropathy and half had diabetic eye disease. Two thirds already had high blood pressure. Most participants in the study had complications by age 26. The impact on minorities was greater.
Type 2 diabetes, like obesity, was much less common in children 50 years ago. It has recently increased by 5% a year. This new study and that rate of increase are extremely alarming. It seems it is the duration of diabetes, not your age that determines complication rates. The best way to avoid these complications is to never get diabetes. The best was to do that is a change of family food culture.
Sugar intake is the most potent driver of obesity and diabetes in young people. Fast food and prepared foods combining sugar, fat, salt, and processed carbohydrates are addictive and also contribute. Targeted advertising aimed at children for high sugar juices, cereals, and other foods combining these elements are pervasive. Children cannot cut back on these foods. Avoiding obesity and diabetes in our children requires a change in what the eat. Provide real food—lean meat, eggs, dairy, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, and nuts. Perhaps the most alarming thing is epigenetic changes in children with type 2 diabetes are passed on to the next two generations. Their children and grandchildren are more likely to have diabetes and vascular disease.
The impact is greatest in racial minorities and the poor. Many of them get a good part of their food at school. It is in everyone’s interest to make school lunches healthier. Better food is much cheaper than dialysis. I know parents would go to great lengths to protect their children. Change what they eat. If you have questions or comments, I would love to hear them.