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TYPE 2 DIABETES CASES INCREASING AMONG CHILDREN

AUBURN, APRIL 21, 2000---Today when everyone is subjected to messages about weight loss and proper diets,
there's one group that needs to pay close attention: overweight youngsters.

Medical experts are concerned that an increase in the number of children diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes is growing. Previously, Type 2 Diabetes was considered to be relatively rare in children.

Diet and exercise are key factors in helping to prevent youngsters from developing the disease. says Dr. Evelyn Crayton, Extension foods and nutrition specialist and registered dietitian with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Early detection is especially important. Doctors recommend that overweight children over the age of 10 be tested for Type 2 Diabetes every two years if they have a family history of diabetes, or if they fall into a high-risk group, including American Indians, African Americans, Hispanic Americans or Asians. Children who show signs of insulin resistance, high blood fat levels or a history of high blood pressure also should be tested regularly, Crayton adds. 

SOURCE: DR. EVELYN CRAYTON, Extension Foods and Nutrition Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension
System, (334) 844-2224