Diabetes and Youth
Diabetes is condition in which the pancreas is no longer
able to produce insulin. There are 2 distinct types of diabetes; type 1 and
type 2. While type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition, type 2 diabetes is a combination
of lifestyle and genetic related conditions that affects 85-90% of all diabetic
suffers. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas makes little insulin but not enough
to provide for the body’s needs.
Insulin is important for the diffusion of glucose across cell membranes. After food is broke down into a sugar (called glucose) by enzymes in the stomach, it diffuses into the blood where it travels to different areas within the body to provide energy for growth and repair. Insulin is an essential substance synthesised by the body that allows for this diffusion to occur. Without insulin, the sugar remains in the blood and can be detrimental to the proper functioning of other systems within the body such as the functioning of the liver. There is no cure.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes generally require synthetic forms of insulin in the form of injections or a pump to obtain the insulin that that cannot produce. Alternatively, type 2 diabetic sufferers can manage their condition with healthy eating (see nutrition) and regular physical activity, but may require tablets or insulin to maintain their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a significant issue concerning the health of youth. As obesity is becoming an epidemic in our society, it is essential that obesity is prevented to protect the health of youth. Using these preventative factors, youth can decrease their chances of getting diabetes.
Up to 60% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented with life-style related changes such as diet and exercise.
Insulin is important for the diffusion of glucose across cell membranes. After food is broke down into a sugar (called glucose) by enzymes in the stomach, it diffuses into the blood where it travels to different areas within the body to provide energy for growth and repair. Insulin is an essential substance synthesised by the body that allows for this diffusion to occur. Without insulin, the sugar remains in the blood and can be detrimental to the proper functioning of other systems within the body such as the functioning of the liver. There is no cure.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes generally require synthetic forms of insulin in the form of injections or a pump to obtain the insulin that that cannot produce. Alternatively, type 2 diabetic sufferers can manage their condition with healthy eating (see nutrition) and regular physical activity, but may require tablets or insulin to maintain their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is a significant issue concerning the health of youth. As obesity is becoming an epidemic in our society, it is essential that obesity is prevented to protect the health of youth. Using these preventative factors, youth can decrease their chances of getting diabetes.
Up to 60% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented with life-style related changes such as diet and exercise.
Risk and preventative factors of Diabetes
Genetic predisposition: individuals
with a family history of type 2 diabetes have a greater chance of
having diabetes than someone who does not. These people need to take extra
precaution to reduce their risk of getting this condition.
High blood pressure/cholestrol: having high blood pressure and high cholesterol places added pressure on the walls of veins, arteries, and the heart, limiting the supply of blood to areas of the body, including the pancreas. Youth are encouraged to consume foods low in trans and saturated fats to prevent the build-up of plaque on artery walls. They are encouraged to consume foods with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats to reduce the build-up of plaque, and minimise the risk of having high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and furthermore diabetes.
Obesity: being overweight or obese puts added pressure on organs such as the pancreas to work harder to compensate for the extra weight that the individual is carrying, especially if this weight is carried around the midsection (stomach). As a result, the functioning of the pancreas can become impaired and can limit the production of insulin, causing type 2 diabetes. to reduce the risk of type II diabetes, youth are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight, with a BMI of 20-25 by exercising and eating well.
Insufficient physical activity: if individuals are unable to burn off the energy they consumed through physical activity, it can lead to weight gain, and furthermore obesity, contributing to the risk of type 2 diabetes. to reduce the risk of type II diabetes, youth are encouraged to be involved in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day to burn off energy consumed, reduce the risk of obesity, and furthermore type II diabetes.
Poor diet: consuming too much of the wrong foods can lead to malnutrition and obesity. If food consumed cannot be burned off, excess glucose is stored in the liver where it turns to fat, causing weight gain, and furthermore contributing to the risk of type 2 diabetes. to reduce the risk of diabetes, youth are encouraged to maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients and low in fat. for more information, see nutrition.
High blood pressure/cholestrol: having high blood pressure and high cholesterol places added pressure on the walls of veins, arteries, and the heart, limiting the supply of blood to areas of the body, including the pancreas. Youth are encouraged to consume foods low in trans and saturated fats to prevent the build-up of plaque on artery walls. They are encouraged to consume foods with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats to reduce the build-up of plaque, and minimise the risk of having high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and furthermore diabetes.
Obesity: being overweight or obese puts added pressure on organs such as the pancreas to work harder to compensate for the extra weight that the individual is carrying, especially if this weight is carried around the midsection (stomach). As a result, the functioning of the pancreas can become impaired and can limit the production of insulin, causing type 2 diabetes. to reduce the risk of type II diabetes, youth are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight, with a BMI of 20-25 by exercising and eating well.
Insufficient physical activity: if individuals are unable to burn off the energy they consumed through physical activity, it can lead to weight gain, and furthermore obesity, contributing to the risk of type 2 diabetes. to reduce the risk of type II diabetes, youth are encouraged to be involved in at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day to burn off energy consumed, reduce the risk of obesity, and furthermore type II diabetes.
Poor diet: consuming too much of the wrong foods can lead to malnutrition and obesity. If food consumed cannot be burned off, excess glucose is stored in the liver where it turns to fat, causing weight gain, and furthermore contributing to the risk of type 2 diabetes. to reduce the risk of diabetes, youth are encouraged to maintain a healthy diet rich in nutrients and low in fat. for more information, see nutrition.