If your children have not outgrown their baby fat by age 8 or 9, it could be from excess calories and lack of physical activity, as well as too much time sitting at a TV or computer. For developing youngsters, excess fat can be a predictor of serious health problems — particularly diabetes — in the teen years and beyond.
As the number of overweight kids in America has increased, so has the number of children with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Most kids with diabetes have type 1 (juvenile onset), an immunity disorder. Type 2, formerly called adult onset diabetes, is usually rare in kids. But in the past 2 decades, it has become significantly more common among children.
Causes — Obesity: In the past 30 years, the number of overweight children has more than doubled. In an overweight child, the body's cells can resist the hormone insulin's natural ability to lower blood sugar, which can create diabetes. Sedentary lifestyle: Over half our children lack adequate exercise. Lack of physical activity and overeating are major contributors to weight gain and insulin resistance.
Weight Solutions — Help your kids learn to enjoy eating more fruits, veggies, whole grains and beans instead of higher-fat fare. Set limits on video games and other sedentary activities. Create fun opportunities for children to exercise at least 30 minutes each day.
Testing — High-risk children should be tested for diabetes every 2 years starting at age 10, advises the American Diabetic Association. Risks include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and family history of diabetes.