Diabetes in Children - A Growing Concern

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that type 2 diabetes is a "growing problem among US children and adolescents," and recommends better physician awareness to combat the problem.

They cite the following markers for diabetes in this age group:

• Between 10 and 19 years old
  
• Obese
  
• Strong family history of type 2 diabetes
  
• Insulin resistance
  
• Poor glycemic control (A1C = 10% to 12%)

A recent study appearing in the August issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found one more predictor - waist size:

"Waist circumference is a predictor of insulin resistance syndrome in children and adolescents and could be included in clinical practice as a simple tool to help identify children at risk."

WebMD features a summary of the study, including examples of risky waist sizes:

• A 5-year-old boy or girl with a waist size of 22 inches or more
  
• A 10-year-old boy with a waist size of 26 inches or more
  
• A 10-year-old girl with a waist size of 25 inches or more
  
• A 15-year-old boy with a waist size of 31 inches or more
  
• A 15-year-old girl with a waist size of 28 inches or more

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For the study itself (abstract only, subscription required for full article):
Can Waist Circumference Identify Children With the Metabolic Syndrome?

For WebMD's summary:
Kids' Waists May Show Pre-Diabetes Problem

For the CDC's fact page on children and diabetes:
Epidemiology of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among North American Children and Adolescents