Type 2 is linked to obesity and usually occurs in those age 45 and older, but a study of schoolchildren in Cincinnati showed that over a 12-year period, the number of children who had Type 2 increased by 12 percent. Most children developed diabetes between the ages of 10 and 14, researchers say. Other studies have found similar trends in other cities. Overweight youngsters are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, and doctors are concerned about the increase in the number of children with weight problems over the past two decades. Some studies now show that it's up to 10 percent.
More kids watch more television, sit in front of the computer and eat more fast food.
This lack of physical activity and poor diet play a big role in causing preventable illnesses such as diabetes. Exercising regularly, eating healthy meals and maintaining a healthy body weight go a long way in preventing a host of major diseases. Diabetes can lead to severely debilitating or fatal complications, such as blindness, kidney and heart disease, stroke and amputations of toes or other parts of the feet or legs. But with proper care and medication, diabetes can be managed. Getting an early and correct diagnosis is key in preventing severe complications or even death.