Health experts have looked into our children's future — and it's alarming. By 2050, the number of kids with diabetes may triple for type 1 and quadruple for type 2.
This mirrors the nation's skyrocketing childhood obesity rate, now close to one in five. Methods of preventing type 1 diabetes are unclear, but lack of exercise and poor nutrition likely play a role in both the obesity and type 2 diabetes epidemics.
It's not too late to change your child's fate. Start by cutting back on soda, sodium and saturated fat. It's also important to encourage physical activity. Experts say kids and teens should exercise one hour or more each day. Each week, kids need aerobic activity, like walking or bike riding; muscle-building activity, such as pushups; and bone-strengthening activity, like running or jumping rope.
And be on the lookout for diabetes warning signs, including excessive thirst and blurred vision.
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, November 2013
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