Issue 134 Item 1 The First Children with Type 2 Diabetes Have Grown UP!

Alarming results for the first group of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. In the USA, a study conducted on a group of 51q people who had developed Type 2q diabetes in their childhood adolescence has revealed alarming results. In this group of people, who are now aged between 18 and 33 years, a high rate of deaths (9%), dialysis (6%), and miscarriage (38%), one toe amputation and one case of blindness have been reported. This high level of diabetes-related mortality and morbidity in the young points to a very bleak future for the increasing number of children now developing Type 2 diabetes.

Obesity, brought about mainly by unhealthy lifestyles, undoubtedly plays a major role in the early development of the condition

The message resulting from these findings is once again clear; increased public awareness and improved health education need to be encouraged so that families, schools and youth centers can help our children to remain healthy and avoid obesity and diabetes. Diabetes Voice Sept 2002, Vol 47; Issue 3