Obese children who get diabetes by age 9
Surge in cases ‘extremely worrying’ say experts
MORE than 530 teenagers and children have developed a form of diabetes linked to obesity.
Type 2 diabetes is usually seen in those over the age of 40, but data published yesterday reveals that 533 people under the age of 19 were recorded with the condition in England and Wales in 2014/15.
The figures, from the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit, include 11 children under the age of nine and are an increase on the 500 under-19s affected in 2013/14.
Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder not linked to lifestyle factors, often strikes in childhood, but until 2000 there were no reported cases of Type 2 diabetes among youngsters in the uK.
Type 2 occurs when fat content in the body becomes so high it stops insulin maintaining a normal blood glucose level. This often happens when someone has been overweight for a long time, which is why it usually does not strike until middle age.
But the new figures suggest some children are becoming so overweight that the process happens far earlier.
Research conducted since then suggests that 95 per cent of under-17s who have the condition are overweight, and 83 per cent are obese. Charity Diabetes uK said the increase was ‘extremely worrying’.
The Local government Association, which analysed the figures, warned the number of children diagnosed with the condition will continue to rise unless bold action is taken in the government’s forthcoming childhood obesity strategy.
The association, which represents 370 councils which have a responsibility for child public health, has asked for councils to be given powers which include banning junk food advertising near schools.
LgA health spokesman Izzi seccombe said: ‘This is a wakeup call for the nation.
‘The government faces a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to take radical game-changing action in its forthcoming childhood obesity strategy. We cannot afford to delay any longer.’ Helen Dickens, of Diabetes uK, urged the government to publish the childhood obesity strategy ‘to help make it as easy as possible for children and their families to make healthier choices and lead healthier lives’.
she added: ‘This will help to prevent ill-health in childhood and also reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and other serious health conditions later in life.’
Dr Justin Warner, clinical lead for the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit and member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Heath, said: ‘ The government must act now before this becomes the norm.
‘The long-awaited childhood obesity strategy will go some way in doing this. However, it must offer clear and bold solutions.
‘This includes more research into prevention of obesity as well as making personal, social and health education a statutory subject in all schools covering the importance of physical activity and nutrition.’
‘Wake-up call for the nation’