Understanding the Causes of America’s Childhood Diabetes Epidemic

Childhood diabetes may, in fact, be the most pressing public health concern facing the country today. Rates of childhood diabetes – inextricably linked to childhood obesity – continue to rise, particularly amongst minority and urban populations.

And it’s not rocket science why this is so. For starters, parents are faced with the seemingly insurmountable power of junk food and the companies who market it. It happens all the time: a child is in the cereal aisle, begging his mother or father to purchase that tremendously sugary cereal. And more often than not, the parent acquiesces.

Of course, the marketing of sugar is everywhere; in television commercials, movies, and even in schools, where soft drinks can be purchased from vending machines. Compounding this challenge is the fact that many children, particularly those in urban areas, don’t need the needed exercise to help keep the weight off.

So what can be done? Well, first, parents must take a more active role in regulating their children’s diets, including more fruits and vegetables and less junk food. Schools must serve healthier meals and make an effort to promote exercise, which is why we applaud Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign. And most of all, adults should lead by example. As tempting as that bag of cookies looks, put it down. Try an apple instead.

New iPhone App Tracks Diabetics’ Glucose, Insulin, Medication, and Weight in Real-Time

While more and more people being diagnosed with diabetes, there is nonetheless a ray of hope amongst this bad news, and it’s the fact that diabetes management techniques are improving by leaps and bounds.

This is important, because as any diabetic will tell you, living with diabetes requires constant vigilance around proper diet and record keeping.

Which is why we’re so excited about the new Track3 app for the iPhone. This application goes above and beyond your typical glucose tracking tools; rather than simply tracking blood sugar, it takes a holistic approach and also tracks insulin levels, medication dosages, and the individual’s weight.

By crunching this data and referring to a formula devised in tandem with the patient’s doctor, the app then recommends insulin dosages based on particular meals. The app also keeps track of the nutritional value and sugar levels of each meal. If the patient has a goal of a certain amount of calories to consume per day, the app tracks it; once the goal is met, the patient can respond accordingly.

By using this app in combination with modern diabetes supplies, more and more diabetics can lead healthy and non-disruptive lives.

Changing Your Lifestyle One Goal at a Time

Type 2 Diabetes is brought on by many bad habits. These habits cause people to gain weight, exercise less and generally fall into a destructive pattern. So, how easy is it to just stop, reflect on these poor lifestyle choices and change?

For a lot of people, it’s harder than you think. There are many folks who are able to make changes in their lives with relative ease. Others try and fail many times before they can successfully say they’ve beaten their habit.

There are many successful ways to break bad habits and make positive long lasting changes for a healthier, happier life. Breaking these bad habits are sometimes the only thing it takes to delay or even prevent type 2 diabetes!

Studies have shown that it takes about a month to rewire your brain and change a habit. So, begin by making a list of what you would like to change. Next to each bad habit, write down what you feel this habit gives to you. The goal is to replace the bad habit with something healthy.

Make sure the changes are small otherwise you will become discouraged. As these small changes get easier over time, you can add more changes toward a healthier lifestyle.

Write your goals for change down or tell a friend. This helps you keep the commitment. Reading about your new habits each day or talking to your friends about them, will keep you inspired.

One of the best things you can do to break a bad habit is start hanging out with people who are have already changed. If you want to cook healthier meals, join a group or take a class, surround yourself with people who have the same interests. If you want to exercise more, join a gym and talk to folks who will inspire you. Maybe you have a neighbor who walks each day, ask them if you can join them. This also creates a support system.

Don’t add too many changes at once. If it is diet and exercise you want to change, that is great, but don’t add more on top of that. Once you are successful with these, you can make any other changes in your life, such as financial changes, de-cluttering your home, taking more trips or visiting family. Once you being to see that these changes are attainable, and you get rid of even more bad habits, you will be working towards a fulfilling and happy life.

Next Page »