HEALTH & WELLNESS
BY DR. BETTY GAW
TYPE TWO DIABETES IS EPIDEMIC IN THE UNITED STATES
Being a pediatrician, the ever-increasing girth of our children is apparent and concerns me deeply. One-third of American children are overweight and one-fourth are obese -- putting them at high risk for early onset of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, 41% of obese seven-year-olds, 70% of obese ten-year-olds, and 80% of obese adolescents become obese adults.
When I completed my pediatric training forty years ago, juvenile type 2 diabetes was unheard of. Today, there is an alarming diabetes epidemic, propelled by the scourge of obesity. This alarming incidence is highest in Asians, Pacific Islanders and Hispanics and is largely driven by the abundance of high calorie, processed foods, saturated trans-fats/hydrogenated fats, over-consumption, and sedentary lifestyles. Effects of this metabolic illness such as shortening of longevity and low self-esteem have far-reaching health, and psycho-socioeconomic impact for our children, their families, and society. It is therefore incumbent upon parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, nurses, and doctors to take corrective action, because sick children grow up into sicker adults. There are 143 million diabetics in the United States today and the number is skyrocketing.
Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes:
- Being overweight or obese and, occasionally, weight loss;
- Frequent thirst and urination;
- Frequent infections or wounds that heal slowly;
- Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet;
- Sweet, acetone-like breath;
- Weakness, lack of energy, being accident-prone;
- Falling asleep easily, even in the daytime;
- High blood sugar while the cells are starved of glucose;
- High insulin blood level, known as insulin resistance;
- Elevated blood glucose, i.e., a fasting blood sugar test result of greater than 100 milligrams per deciliter - and greater than 140 milligrams per deciliter, two hours after a meal;
- Memory loss, with risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease;
- Depression;
- Fragile bones, muscles and tendons which rupture easily;
- Retinopathy, which can lead to blindness;
- Heart and artery disease and stroke risk, due to atherosclerosis;
- Kidney failure.
Diabetes affects every body organ by causing toxic levels of glucose and insulin, which is why it is known as a wasting disease. Excess urination excretes vitamins, minerals, proteins, and glucose and depletes nutrients from the body.
How to Help Our Children Avoid Diabetes
- Limit time on the computer and in front of the television;
- Limit daily caloric intake;
- Set a goal of one hour exercise each day, which increases burning of fat and glucose and builds lean muscle mass;
- Eat nutrient-dense vegetables, fruits, whole-grain foods, beans, nuts/seeds, leaner meats, seafood, monounsaturated oils such as olive oil, and avoid fried foods. Breakfast is a must to set the metabolism in motion;
- Eat slowly and chew well to aid digestion;
- Limit fruit juices that are high in fructose, cut out sodas which contain 10-12 teaspoons of sugar, and drink low or non-fat cow’s milk, soy milk, or protein drink;
- Eat meals together as a family whenever possible;
- Get regular checkups by a doctor who is not overweight and is thus a good role model;
- Request a referral to a diabetologist to consult on diabetes, once diagnosed;
- Maintain a healthy weight, monitoring body weight three times a week;
- Monitor the blood parameters which are markers of health or disease;
- Allow time for meditation and relaxation;
- Get adequate sleep, aiming for the optimal eight hours per day;
- Join a diabetes or weight control clinic for support and education.
With our New Year's resolutions still fresh, let us resolve to take positive, affirmative action for our children and ourselves. By improving our mind, body and spirit, we can live in greater balance and harmony. Achieving good health requires knowledge, motivation, and action, and is the path to a high quality of life and personal happiness. I invite you to join me in taking a big step toward being HEALTHY, WEALTHY and WISE for yourself, your family and your friends.
Dr. Betty Gaw
(Dr. Gaw serves on CHSSC's Board of Directors)
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