Youth At Risk: Experts Note Certain Health Concerns On The Rise

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

It’s not usual for us to take care of our appearance and our health as we get older. In fact, it seems that these days, at least when it comes to young ladies, the age group for being conscientious about looks, weight etc. starts much sooner than I recall it did for us. And, now, according to experts, it seems that health concerns from obesity to diabetes are striking at a much younger age too. In fact, medical professionals note that the number of children with type-1 diabetes has increased significantly over the past 20 years.

They note that children under-five with type-1 diabetes rose fivefold since 200, and some suggest that the “trend” may be a result of genes and environmental factors including breastfeeding rates.

Also, the condition is said to have doubled for those under 15 and is a condition also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, which typically develops in childhood and tends to run in families.

But, since the increase has been so notable and substantial, experts assert that they suspect the environment is likely the key culprit, with reduced exposure to something that was previously controlling our immune responses. Plus, with more moms opting out breastfeeding, children’s immune systems may be heading for an all-time low.

Type 2 diabetes on the other hand generally develops with age and later in life, mostly linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity.

And, while the under fives diagnosed with the condition continues to grow perhaps at an alarming rate, currently, the largest group of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are those between 10 and 14 years old.

Long Island Family Life & Parenting Articles > Youth At Risk: Experts Note Certain Health Concerns On The Rise