About Hodgson Mill

Diabetes and Your Child

Diabetes and Your Child
Diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar levels are excessively high, either because the body is not able to produce the hormone insulin which converts sugar into energy (type 1) or because the body fails to properly use insulin (type 2). It is the second type of diabetes that the Center for Disease Control counts as a growing epidemic, especially in our teen population. As reported by the American Diabetes Association, one out of every six children in the US has pre-diabetic conditions, characterized by the following risk factors:
•    Weight.  25% of obese children ages four to 10 have already developed varying stages of insulin resistance.
•    Family History. Close relatives with the disease increases each child’s risk. Type 2 seems to have a stronger genetic predisposition than type 1.
•    Gestational Diabetes. Mothers who experience elevated blood sugars during pregnancy suffer increased risk for self and child.
Recently, the Journal of the American Medical Association also reported that another underlying factor of increased diabetes onset is introducing cereal much too early – that is, to infants under four months of age.
If you as a parent are concerned that your child might be at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, watch for these signs and symptoms:
•    Unquenchable thirst
•    Frequent urination
•    Fatigue
•    Dehydration
•    Increased hunger
•    Elevated blood pressure
•    Acanthosis Nigricans (AN) – a darkening of the skin on the back of the neck and under the arms with an almost velvety appearance.
Once diagnosis is made, parents are encouraged to line up behavior change. Unchecked diabetes can lead to heart problems as well as stroke, and can damage the eyes, kidneys and even nerves and tissues.  Sometimes, diabetes is the cause of limb amputation, and is often responsible for shortened life span.
Hodgson Mill continuously emphasizes the importance of exercise, helpful eating habits and deliberate weight management for the whole family. It is worthwhile to meet with a dietician or a nutritionist to explore effective meal planning, gearing the family towards fresh fruits, whole grains and lean protein, and avoiding excessive fats and sugars. At the end of the day, there is hope: type 2 diabetes is preventable, so it is imperative to instill healthy behaviors in our children.
Visit our website to find out more about how our products contribute to overall health, and specifically aid those with diabetes. Hodgson Mill is here to help.