Obesity in youth has long since been a serious issue, but now there are new reasons why teens should take precautions to prevent them from becoming overweight and possibly suffering from health problems in the future. A recent study examined the way teenagers newly diagnosed with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels –and the results weren't pretty.
Released on Sunday, the study concluded that out of the 699 overweight and obese teens recently diagnosed with diabetes they examined, nearly half of them failed to properly control their blood sugar. One in five of them also faced serious complications. The findings are particularly worrisome now, when the world is seeing a dramatic rise in obesity triggered Type 2 diabetes or "diabesity" as it is commonly called.
And since most diabetes drugs aren't yet approved for young kids, there's only one surefire way for teens to stay healthy: to remain active and fit and therefore, avoid getting this type of diabetes in the first place.
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I find the findings pretty terrifying, particularly since currently, a third of American children and teens are overweight or obese –which means they are also at a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and by extension, other serious health problems. That's why it's so important that kids exercise or at the very least, remain active and that parents encourage them to do so!
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And though I know there are a ton other non-health related reasons to exercise, I can think of no better one than to ensure your own safety. So moms, get your children away from the computer screens and off the couch! They might roll their eyes at you now, but they will thank you later.
What do you think of the study?
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Image via FBellon/flickr
