Type 2 diabetes cases among children soared by 14 per cent last year with experts calling the rise ‘hugely disturbing’ — similar to over-40s
Type 2 diabetes is preventable with the main cause being a poor diet and lack of exercise
TYPE 2 diabetes cases among children soared by 14 per cent last year as the obesity epidemic escalates.
Health experts said the rise in the condition, which is usually seen in the over-40s, was “hugely disturbing”.
Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable, with the No1 cause poor diet and lack of exercise.
Last year in England and Wales 621 patients in children’s diabetes units had treatment for the condition.
The true scale is likely to be much higher as the statistics do not cover kids treated by GPs.
Type 2 diabetes increases the risk of heart problems, stroke, blindness, nerve damage and kidney disease.
Izzi Seccombe, of the Local Government Association, said: “This is a hugely disturbing trend.
Libby Dowling, of Diabetes UK, added: “It’s shocking that children have to struggle with a condition that could have been prevented.
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“The Government needs to take decisive action, including stronger regulation on junk food marketing and in reducing sugar and saturated fat.”
The first diagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes in British children were among obese girls in 2000. Dr
Justin Warner, of the Royal College, said: “We’re seeing children younger and younger being treated.
“Obesity is a major public health threat and there needs to be action at all levels to reverse the trend.”