Type 2 diabetes is increasing in children
Type 2 diabetes is therefore becoming increasingly common in children. According to dietitian Jitske Spijker, this is partly because young people are increasingly overweight, which puts them at greater risk. This excess weight is partly caused by unhealthy food, such as products with a lot of sugar.
Which products are hidden sugar bombs?
We know that chocolate, cookies and sweets are often rich in sugar. But products that you might not expect can also contain a lot of sugar. Jitske Spijker gives some examples: ”First of all Ketjap manis, half of which consists of sugar. The commonly used ketchups also contain relatively much sugar.”
”Furthermore, instant tea (granule tea) contains a lot of sugar. Finally, (low-fat) fruit yoghurt sounds very healthy. Only in addition to the fact that there is hardly any fruit in it, sugar and starch are added. This makes it comparable to the well-known sweet custard,” she continues.
Can you treat diabetes?
You may think that diabetes can only be monitored and treated by a doctor or dietician. But often you have to take the first step yourself. Leaving sugar bombs in the supermarket can be the start, making losing weight easier.
But what does losing weight actually do for someone with diabetes? The dietitian explains: ”If you are overweight, weight reduction can make you more ‘sensitive’ to insulin again. You then need less medication, or sometimes you can get rid of the medication.”
What if diabetes has been around for some time?
But what if diabetes is permanent? The dietitian at the NoordWest Hospital in Alkmaar explains what the treatment of a child looks like.
”It may be that the diabetes has been going on for some time and that the child continues to need tablets, insulin injections or both. Children with type 2 diabetes are seen by a pediatric diabetes team in a hospital or specialized center, including a pediatrician, diabetes nurse, dietician and educational psychologist/psychologist.
2024-01-03 06:00:00
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