Tag: Type 2 Diabetes

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Effects of Childhood Obesity



Childhood obesity rates are now at alarmingly high levels, with almost one out of five children and adolescents being obese.  This health concern does not bode well for society today, as scientists believe that the current generation of children may be the first to have a lifespan shorter than that of their parents.  High blood pressure, breathing problems, and type 2 diabetes are just a few of the negative effects of childhood obesity.

How is Obesity in Children Measured?

Body mass index is the best method to determine if an individual is obese or overweight.  In children, BMI is determined using the child’s height and weight.  The child’s weight status is determined using his or her age and sex.  The method is different from that used for adults because a child’s body composition varies with age, and between boys and girls.

Health Effects of Childhood Obesity

Obesity in children can have a number of harmful effects.  Children who are overweight or obese can suffer from:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol level
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Sleep apnea
  • Asthma
  • Dyspepsia or gastro-esophageal reflux (heartburn)
  • Liver problems

Effects of Childhood Obesity

Effects of Childhood Obesity

Many of the diseases mentioned above used to affect adults only, but with the increasing rates of childhood obesity more and more children now suffer from these diseases.  Obese children are likely to suffer from type 2 diabetes as a consequence of insulin resistance or insulin deficiency.

Obese children are also likely to have high cholesterol levels and hypertension (high blood pressure).  These medical disorders are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.  Likewise, obesity can cause breathing problems such as asthma or sleep apnea.  Overly obese children and adolescents can also suffer from metabolic disorders, liver disease, gallstones and joint problems.

Psychological and Emotional Effects of Childhood Obesity

Childhood obesity can have damaging psychological and emotional effects on children who are at a vulnerable age.  Obese children are often teased and bullied by their peers, and can suffer from social discrimination and low self-esteem.  As a consequence, they may react by misbehaving or becoming anti-social.

In a society that places great importance on being thin, beautiful and athletic, obese children are often socially ostracized and bullied.  They can suffer from anxiety and as a result do poorly in school.

Health Risks in the Future

Obese children are more likely to grow into obese adults in the future.  In addition, they can also suffer from weight-related problems much sooner.  As a consequence of childhood obesity, people can have a heart attack as early as their 30′s or 40′s.  Childhood obesity also leads to diabetes as well as some forms of cancer in adults.

What You Can Do Now

The obesity rate is now at a level where it has become a major contributor to chronic disease and disability worldwide.  The level is highest in developed countries, where obesity is now recognized as a grave concern to public health.  A healthy and balanced diet can help control obesity.  Children must be encouraged to engage in regular exercise and physical activity.  The effects of childhood obesity are too serious to be ignored.  In severe cases, medical care may be required and treatments such as liposuction or stomach bypass surgery may have to be considered.

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Weight Loss Exercise

Reversing Diabetes – Can Diabetes be Reversed?

Anyone with diabetes or pre-diabetes wants to know the answer to this question: Can diabetes be reversed? Most medical experts are of the opinion that diabetes cannot be cured or reversed, but recent studies indicate that the condition can be controlled and the risk of complications can be lowered by keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

Types of Diabetes

People with diabetes have abnormally high blood sugar levels. This may be because their body is not producing enough insulin, or they cannot properly use the insulin their body is producing.

Type-1 diabetes affects 5-10% of diabetics and is not reversible. In Type-1 diabetes, the person’s pancreas is not producing enough insulin, if at all. Insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are damaged and unable to produce this hormone.

Type-2 diabetes is more common and develops when the body loses its ability to process insulin correctly. This condition is also called insulin resistance. Obesity is the major cause of Type 2 diabetes. It can be controlled by medication but studies show that regular exercise and a healthy diet can help manage the symptoms of Type 2 diabetes even without medication.

Is There a Cure for Diabetes?

Diabetics and pre-diabetics are anxious to know if diabetes can be reversed or cured. While there is no cure for Type 1 diabetes, those with Type 2 diabetes are in a better position to control the disease. Insulin resistance manifested by Type 2 diabetes can be overcome by maintaining a healthy weight and by regular exercise. Controlling the symptoms, however, does not mean that the disease is reversed. If diabetics stop exercising regularly or go back to an unhealthy diet, their abnormally elevated blood sugar levels and other diabetic symptoms will return.

How to Manage Diabetes Symptoms

Obesity is a common cause of Type 2 diabetes because body fat causes an insulin imbalance. Those with excessive abdominal fat are more likely to develop diabetes. By exercising and limiting the consumption of carbohydrates, you can decrease fat and reduce blood sugar levels.

People who are prediabetic, or those with fasting blood sugar levels in the 100-125 mg/dL range, will find it easier to turn their blood glucose to normal levels. Those who are at risk of prediabetes or diabetes should eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber.

Most medical professionals agree that diabetes cannot be reversed or cured but the symptoms can be controlled by keeping blood sugar near normal levels. This can be done by medication, or by exercise and a diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, meats and dairy products. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important.

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Diabetic Breakfast Ideas: Breakfast Choices for Diabetics

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day yet it can also be the most neglected. If you have diabetes, it is a very bad idea to skip breakfast. The first meal of the day provides energy to get you going and helps keep your blood sugar levels within normal limits. Healthy breakfast ideas for diabetics can help you choose the right foods to eat and avoid those that can bring your blood glucose to abnormal levels.

Diabetic breakfast ideas are not too difficult to find because they are often the same as a healthy diet for non-diabetics. Those who have diabetes, however, should limit their carbohydrate consumption and avoid foods with high glycemic values because they can cause the blood sugar level to spike.

Healthy Breakfast Choices for Diabetics

When looking for diabetic breakfast ideas, be sure to avoid highly processed foods that are high in carbohydrates. Instead of white bread, opt for whole grain breads, oats, and whole grain cereals. These foods are high in fiber and have a low glycemic value. Studies have shown that they help reduce blood glucose levels significantly.

Foods such as eggs, meat, dairy products and poultry provide the protein you need. Some amount of fat is also important in your diabetes diet, but be sure to limit your fat consumption to avoid weight problems.

Ideas for a Healthy Diabetic Breakfast

Breakfast for diabetics does not have to be a bland or boring meal. With a little imagination, you can whip up a delicious breakfast that will provide the right balance of nutrients and calories. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you can have a healthy breakfast of whole wheat toast with a teaspoon of margarine spread, egg or cottage cheese, oatmeal, and a small banana.

Another diabetic breakfast idea is whole grain bread with peanut butter, low fat milk, and some fresh fruits.

When planning breakfast, diabetic patients should always remember to keep an eye on their carbohydrate intake. High-carb foods quickly release sugar into the blood and this is not good for diabetics.

Breakfast can be hard to put together especially if you have to go to school or work early in the morning. But if you have diabetes, you cannot afford to skip breakfast. Plan ahead and find some healthy diabetic breakfast ideas that will help keep your blood sugar stable while giving you the energy you need for the day.