The Greatest Threat to Our Children's Health: Diabetes?!

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The Greatest Threat to Our Children's Health: Diabetes?!

Article Description:

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Knowing the risks and taking the right steps today can lead

to a healthier tomorrow.

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510 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2009-07-28 13:24:00

Written By: Kielty

Copyright: 2009

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The Greatest Threat to Our Children's Health: Diabetes?!

Copyright © 2009 Kielty

North Carolina Insurance

http://www.ncinsuranceplan.com

Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern in the United States as more

cases of the disease are being seen in children. Usually type 2

diabetes affects people who are obese and over age 40. Over the

past 20 years however, doctors have seen an increase in type 2

diabetes among children.

If untreated, type 2 diabetes can lead to high blood pressure,

hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. It can also

lead to kidney failure and eventual blindness. The effects of

this disease can be so devastating, it is important to know your

risks and take action right away to reduce your chances of

developing type 2 diabetes.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes, also known as insulin resistant diabetes, is the

most common form of the disease. It accounts for 90% of all

diabetes cases diagnosed each year. With type 1 diabetes the body

does not produce insulin. With type 2 it does produce insulin but

either it does not produce enough or the cells in the muscle are

less sensitive to its effects.

When you eat something, the body breaks the food down into a

simple sugar called glucose. Glucose then moves through the

bloodstream and then into the muscle and fat cells. Insulin sends

a signal to the cells which tell them to open up and accept the

glucose. Glucose is either used right away or stored as fat. In

individuals who have type 2 diabetes, the cells do not correctly

receive the signal to allow the glucose in. This causes glucose

to build up in the bloodstream and keeps the cells from

functioning properly. Eventually the elevated glucose levels in

the system can cause damage to heart eyes and kidneys.

Risk Factors

Your risk for type 2 diabetes can be inherited. If you have a

parent or sibling who has the disease you have a great chance for

developing it yourself. Individuals of Hispanic,

African-American, or Native American ancestry are also at greater

risk as well as those over age 45. Other risk factors include

having a sedentary lifestyle, excessive stress, smoking and

obesity.

One of the most important things we can do to cut our chances of

developing type 2 diabetes is to get more active and lose weight.

Fat stored around the abdominal area make it especially hard for

cells to respond to insulin. Other risk factors include a Body

Mass Index of 25 or more or a waist size that is greater than 35

inches for a woman or 40 inches or more for man.

Take Action

Knowing what the risk factors are for developing type 2 diabetes

is an important step to avoiding the disease. If you have a close

family member who has developed type 2 diabetes, discuss it with

your doctor. Find out what your BMI is and to measure your waist.

If you have any other risk factors, take action today to eat

better, exercise and lose weight. By taking action today you can

avoid the damaging health effects of type 2 diabetes tomorrow.

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Kielty lives in North Carolina and writes articles

on health insurance. If you are looking for rate quotes

on health insurance in North Carolina, visit BCBSNC, also

known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

http://www.ncinsuranceplan.com