Parents are the most precious resource for children, as children absorb information from parents and adults from the day they are born. Kids develop behavioral patterns early in life that are engrained in their memory and movement throughout life. They mimic behavior, repeat words, and sometimes listen to what they are taught or told (I say that jokingly and lovingly). Teaching children about healthy eating and exercise habits, along with the lessons of living a healthy lifestyle, is one of the top goals for parents. And it all starts with metabolism literature.

Still, many children are at risk of getting childhood Type 2 diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 283,000 Americans under age 20 are estimated to have been diagnosed with diabetes. Previously referred to as adult-onset diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in children and teens due to an increasing rate of childhood obesity. As a parent, the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes in children can be overwhelming, especially in the beginning. You and your child must suddenly learn to give injections, count carbohydrates, and monitor blood sugar. What makes it more of a difficult diagnosis to receive is that there is currently no cure for Type 1 diabetes. However, it can be effectively managed with the proper metabolism literature coupled with the support of a medical professional. With Type 2 diabetes, the body does not metabolize or use insulin well. To lower the risk in children, it’s important to implement healthy habits at the onset and educate them with metabolism literature to ensure they maintain a healthy weight and get plenty of exercise. It’s also important to limit the amount of fast food or processed food they consume and maintain healthy food swaps. Additionally, with technology at our fingertips, limiting children’s time on the computer, video game systems, or watching TV is crucial to a healthy life.

It is essential to teach children about metabolism and the causes of diabetes, even if they are not currently at risk. There are plenty of metabolism literature and resources available to assist in ongoing education.

Previously, the typical type of childhood diabetes was Type 1 or juvenile diabetes. With this type of childhood diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin to help sugar get into your cells to metabolize energy. Without insulin, high levels of sugar stay in the blood. This is commonly known as high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and can cause problems throughout the body, damaging blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, the heart, and more.

For most children with diabetes, taking medicine is integral to healthy living. Medicine, such as insulin, is the standard treatment protocol for diabetic children. A child with Type 2 diabetes might need medicine too, but there are other methods to manage it. Working with an endocrinologist can assist in identifying the proper treatment protocol.

The most common diabetes medicine is insulin, which you can take through shots or an insulin pump. Insulin is prescribed and administered to get glucose into the body’s cells, which can be used for energy through the metabolic process. Without insulin, glucose stays in the blood, and blood sugar levels can get too high.

Diabetes pills are another standard treatment protocol. These pills can help the body produce more insulin or help the child’s body use the insulin it already has. These medicines are especially effective for children who eat healthy and exercise regularly, making lessons about healthy lifestyles particularly important.

Diabetes is a serious medical indication that requires a serious approach and knowledge base. Metabolism literature is easy to find, but make sure it’s from a validated resource. It is never too early to teach our children the value of a healthy lifestyle. It is important to note that there is help, and you are not alone. Parents, patients, and healthcare experts globally can buy “Metabolism & Medicine” through Amazon to learn about metabolism.