Cases of children with Type 2 diabetes rocket from zero to 500 in just 15 years
Health experts are now calling on the Government to take urgent action and warn statistics should be a ‘wake up call’
THE number of kids in the UK with Type 2 diabetes has rocketed from zero to more than 500 in just 15 years and experts are now calling on the Government to take urgent action.
The disease is largely preventable and is closely linked to poor lifestyle decisions, such as unhealthy eating or lack of exercise. It is typically seen in overweight adults.
But the latest figures show there are 533 children and young people in England and Wales with the condition, including 11 aged nine or under.
The first cases of Type 2 diabetes in children were diagnosed in overweight girls of Asian ethnic origin in 2000 and first reported in white adolescents in 2002.
The Local Government Association, which represents 370 councils with responsibility for public health, said the rocketing number should be a “wake up call” to the nation.
And they called on the government to take “bold action” in their delayed childhood obesity strategy.
A survey of children aged under-17 in the UK found that 95% of those diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes were overweight and 83% obese.
The single greatest risk factor for children developing Type 2 diabetes is being overweight, which in turn can lead to obesity.
Data from the National Child Measurement Programme, carried out in schools and funded by councils, shows one in ten four and five-year-olds and one in five ten and 11-year-olds are obese.
The previous annual audit in 2013/15 found 505 youngsters aged 18 and under had type 2 diabetes.
The LGA has previously called for teaspoon sugar labelling, a reduction of sugar content in fizzy drinks, and greater provision of tap water in schools and restaurants.
It has also asked for councils to be given powers to ban junk food advertising near schools.
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Cllr Izzi Seccombe, from the LGA, said: “Obesity is usually linked with major health conditions later on in life, but already, we are seeing the early consequences of child obesity, with more and more children developing Type 2 diabetes as a result.
“Type 2 diabetes is normally associated with adults, so it is a major concern that we are seeing this in children and teenagers.
“This is a wake-up call for the nation as the Government faces a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take radical game-changing action in its forthcoming childhood obesity strategy.
“We cannot afford to delay any longer.”
We are seeing the early consequences of child obesity
Cllr Izzi Seccombe
Helen Dickens, Director of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention at Diabetes UK, said: “Type 2 diabetes typically develops in adults over the age of 40, so it is extremely worrying that we are seeing more young people develop the condition.
“Although there are a number of risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, some of which are out of our control, one of the most important risk factors is being overweight or obese, which we can do something about.
“That’s why it is so essential that the Government publishes its Childhood Obesity Strategy to help make it as easy as possible for children and their families to make healthier choices and lead healthier lives.
“This will help prevent ill-health in childhood and also reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and other serious health conditions later in life.
“It is also important to remember that Type 2 diabetes is still extremely rare in children, with most children with diabetes having Type 1 diabetes, which is not linked to lifestyle and cannot be prevented.”
Dr Justin Warner, from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Heath, said: “With a third of 10 year olds either overweight or obese in the UK, it has become increasingly common to see children and young people developing Type 2 diabetes.
“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 for a healthy lifestyle.”
FRUIT AND VEG CHOP RISK BY UP TO A THIRD
EATING a diet rich in fruit and veg cuts the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to a third, a study suggests.
Researchers looked at the diets and disease diagnoses of 200,000 people over 20 years.
They found sticking to a plant-based diet carried a 20 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
A plant-based diet which also includes wholegrains, nuts and legumes — like beans and peas — was linked with a 34 per cent lower diabetes risk.
A modest lowering of the amount of meat and dairy eaten was also linked with a lower diabetes incidence.
Lead author, Harvard University’s Ambika Satija, said: “Even moderate dietary changes can play a significant role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.”
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