Healthyou's Weblog- A Blog of Makinghealthdecisions.com

November 14, 2008 is World Diabetes Day.

This year focuses on diabetes in children and adolescents. It is to raise awareness of the impact of diabetes on children.

The aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle and to prevent type 2 diabetes. To increase the number of children supported by IDF Life For a Child Program.

Diabetes affects children of all ages. The poorest are hit the hardest. Diabetic ketoacidosis is the cause of most deaths of type 1 diabetes.

• More than 200 children develop type 1 diabetes daily.
• 700,000 children annualy under the age of 15
• 50% of children develop complications 12 years after diagnosis
• Over 50% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented
• Children die because they cannot get medication
• Children with diabetes can live full productive lives.

Warning signs:

• Urinary frequency
• Excessive thirst
• Increased hunger
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Lack of interest and concentration
• Blurred vision
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

Promoting a health lifestyle will prevent type 2 diabetes. This includes:

1. Loosing weight
2. Physical activity
3. Healthy Eating

These children cannot afford to be overweight. They need to adopt a healthy eating pattern. Parents can set an example by their own eating habits.  Supporting and funding Initiatives to reduce incidents of diabetic ketoacidosis will reduce the number of deaths.  Clinical Trials.gov has information on diabetes studies.  It is free for patients, family members and the general public.

You can get involved in World Diabetes Day Activites to show support, it is actually fun.  Visit World Diabetes Day website to get involved.

Celebrate World Events