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With a youth population that is starting to prefer staying inside rather than going outside more and more, diabetes rates in teens have been rising higher and higher. This is why being properly informed about diabetes is now more important than ever.
With a youth population that is starting to prefer staying inside rather than going outside more and more, diabetes rates in teens have been rising higher and higher. This is why being properly informed about diabetes is now more important than ever.
What is diabetes?
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects your body’s insulin production and produces insufficient insulin. The main job of insulin is to move glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream to cells to make energy. Because your body cannot produce as much insulin as needed, too much sugar stays in your bloodstream. This can lead to serious health issues, like heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision issues, hearing problems, and mental health issues.
Diabetes in youth
Diabetes in youth
Researchers have estimated that there are about 350,000 Americans under the age of 20 who have diabetes. Researchers found that between 2002-2015, the rate of new cases of diabetes in Americans under 20 has increased 4.8% per year.
What causes diabetes?
What causes diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is caused by obesity. A family history of type 2 diabetes can increase your chances of getting it, but it is not dependent on it. Type 2 can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and diet. However, type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction and is unfortunately not preventable.
Symptoms of Diabets
Symptoms of Diabets
Urinating often
Feeling very thirsty
Feeling very hungry even if you ate
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing of cuts/bruises
Weight loss even if you are eating (type 1)
Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)
How to prevent type 2 diabetes
How to prevent type 2 diabetes
Eat healthy. This means making changes to your diet, both in the quantity that you eat and what you are eating. Try to eat more vegetables, plant-based proteins, whole grains, dairy, and lean meat.
Lose excess weight. A good body fat percentage for men around 20 is 8-18.6%, and for women it is 14-22.7%.
Exercise regularly. Regularly doing physical activity prevents diabetes and improves your lifestyle and overall health.
Written by: Shengze
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