Date of Award

5-2006

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences

Abstract

Until recently, Type 2 diabetes was typically regarded as a disease of the middle-aged and elderly. While it is still true that this age group maintains a higher risk than younger adults, evidence is accumulating that onset in those of a much younger age. Children and adolescents are now part of this epidemic. This new phenomenon brings a serious new aspect to the global diabetes epidemic and heralds an emerging public health problem of major proportions. Prevention and treatment in these youth cannot be taken lightly. Prevention can be maintained through implementing exercise and balanced nutrition. It is essential to involve the whole society in this prevention process including schools, healthcare workers, friends and families. Treatment is important to help these youth avoid further complications later in life. Treatment involves weight loss, exercise, medication and maintenance of the disease. Type 2 diabetes in our youth is a serious concern and needs to be recognized as such if the problem is to be corrected.

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Faculty Mentor

Noreen B. Schvaneveldt

Departmental Honors Advisor

J. Anderson