Childhood Diabetes Becoming More Common

W

hen state fairs offer such delectable food choices as "deep fried butter" and the like, obviously people will buy it. The problem is that for many people, novelty treats aren't much of a novelty, and unfortunately, that sort of lifestyle is affecting younger people more and more. A new study shows that the rate of diabetes and pre-diabetes among kids has jumped from just nine percent in 2000 to 23 percent in 2008, and that was four years ago.

The rate of diabetes and pre-diabetes among kids jumped from 9% in 2000 to 23% in 2008.

Of the two types of diabetes, Type 2 accounts for more than 90% of cases—it is often caused by lifestyle choices rather than Type 1 diabetes, which is a genetic autoimmune disorder. About a third of adolescents are overweight or obese, which increases their risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

So it's obviously a huge problem, right? Pediatric endocrinologist Larry Deeb says it's only going to get worse; other research shows that there will be a "64% increase in diabetes in the next decade, because stress on the pancreas and insulin resistance catches up with people. We are truly in deep trouble," he told USA Today.

The findings of the study, which were reported in the journal Pediatrics, show that half of overweight teens and almost two-thirds of obese adolescents have one or more risk factors for heart disease. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, and/or high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).

It's a scary thing to think of, and something that parents should consider when their child is begging and whining for McDonald's. Once in a while treats are fine, but we are not meant to live off of grease, salt, and sugar, and as the studies are showing, it's catching up with all of us.