In today’s world, a sedentary environment emerges as a new lifestyle, and it imposes certain health issues like childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes. The significant reasons for this new trend are long-term inactivity and poor eating habits. Further, this blog will show you the minute connections between childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes.
What are obesity and type 2 diabetes?
An individual will develop obesity when the excess body weight is caused by taking more calories than they are burned daily for a prolonged period. To assess whether the child is overweight or obese, we can employ BMI (Body Mass Index). Depending on the kid’s height, weight, age, and gender the z-score will be calculated, and then compared with gender and age-percentile-based norms to identify their weight status. Visit a pediatric endocrinology hospital in Coimbatore to manage obesity in the initial stage to prevent yourself from type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance and insulin deficiency are the two main mechanisms that cause type 2 diabetes (T2D). This condition arises when the body resists insulin and the beta-cells in the pancreas are unable to produce sufficient insulin. In the beginning, the body produces more insulin to compensate for insulin resistance, this condition is called hyperinsulinemia, also after some time this results in high blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia.
What causes childhood obesity and how severe is this condition?
We refer to a condition as childhood obesity when a kid’s BMI is higher than their age and gender, this condition occurs due to the formation of excess fat and may lead to several health conditions.
Further, some studies have indicated that obese kids are more likely to carry this condition into their adulthood, which paves the way for chronic ailments such as adulthood obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancers. Apart from health issues, it also frames physiological issues like low self-esteem and depression.
What causes type 2 diabetes in children?
The cause of type 2 diabetes is a little complex and genetics plays a crucial role, also lifestyle factors such as obesity, binge-eating, insufficient physical activity, and a sedentary lifestyle. When it comes to type 2 diabetes both in kids and adults one common thing is insulin resistance, also with other symptoms of metabolic syndrome like hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, dark patches on the skin, and PCOS.
Adults with type 2 diabetes have more insulin secretion when compared to kids with type 2 diabetes. Kids with type 2 diabetes have a higher chance of developing obesity. In recent times, obesity rates have been rising drastically among children. Further, bad glycemic control leads to health conditions like nephropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease.
What are the common lifestyle behaviors among obese children?
When compared with their normal-weight peers, obese youth will possess unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Further, having diabetes will worsen their oral health conditions. Typically, they will be in a sedentary lifestyle, have less physical activity, and follow an unhealthy diet. Adults with type 2 diabetes no longer engage in physical activity, less intake of fiber, and high junk food consumption.
Children got practice to this kind of lifestyle cannot change in a single day, so slowly bring them into a mindful eating routine, and encourage them to engage in mild to moderate physical activity. Fill their plates with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and also avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and trans fats. Ask them to maintain regular meal intervals and portion management.
What are the illnesses faced due to childhood obesity?
Childhood obesity has the potential to trigger various health conditions. Overweight kids are more vulnerable to respiratory problems, cardiovascular illness, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. This childhood weight gain not just affects their physical health but also disturbs their overall quality of life.
Likewise, obese kids will mostly carry this weight into their adulthood, further increasing their susceptibility to prolonged ailments like certain types of cancer. Further, kids with type 2 diabetes will face symptoms like frequent urination, excess thirst, and unexplained weight loss that is despite consuming normal food, kids may face weight loss due to glucose regulation issues. Further, reduced blood sugar levels and glucose regulation difficulties can lead to fatigue, and high blood sugar levels can affect the blood vessels in the eye, and cause blurred vision.
Is there any link between childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes?
There is a significant link between childhood obesity and T2D, even numerous studies have revealed that obese children are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes when compared to their non-obese peers. As we mentioned before, childhood obesity leads to insulin resistance, when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, causing increased blood glucose levels. Get a childhood obesity treatment in Coimbatore to avoid potential health complications like type 2 diabetes in the future.
This prolonged condition can lead to type 2 diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar and a range of health complications. Further, excess fat present around the abdomen exacerbates the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. Globally, as childhood obesity rates increase, the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents is also increasing.
Final thoughts:
The connection between childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes is well-established. An increase in childhood obesity significantly elevates the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, mainly due to insulin resistance induced by excess body fat. This indicates the importance of timely intervention and engaging in preventive strategies to combat obesity from a young age. Concentrating on lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity plays a significant role in reducing the incidence of both obesity and type 2 diabetes
