Sharing LIGHT and HOPE for People with or at Risk for Diabetes
DIABETES IN CHILDREN
AND ADOLESCENTS
According to national data, an estimated 206,000 individuals less than 20 years old have diabetes. This represents 0.25% of people in this age group. Applying this percentage to Kentucky’s population under 20 (Census 2000) suggests that approximately 2,800 children and adolescents may have diabetes.
Studies indicate type 2 diabetes is becoming more common among youth. This increase in type 2 diabetes at young ages is very concerning because it is a disease usually diagnosed in adults.
AT RISK FOR DIABETES: Overweight, sedentary lifestyle, and family history are risk factors for the onset of type 2 diabetes.
National data indicate that the prevalence of overweight among youth has been increasing. In children (ages 6-11) the prevalence of overweight has more than doubled from 6.5% (1976-1980) to 15.3% (1999-2000). In adolescents (ages 12-19) the prevalence has tripled from 5.0% (1976-1980) to 15.5% (1999-2000).
According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which is conducted in a representative sample of public high schools, 15% of high school students reported a height and weight that indicates being overweight (2003).
The national prevalence of overweight even in very young children (ages 2-5) has increased from 10.7% in 1993 to 14.3% in 2002. In Kentucky the prevalence of overweight among 2-5 year-olds was 16.8% in 2002, higher than the national prevalence.
Percent of overweight children 2-5 years old, by county, 2002
Sedentary lifestyle is common among Kentucky’s youth. According to the YRBS, 79% of public high school students did not participate in sufficient moderate physical activity.
Data Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National diabetes fact sheet: general information and national estimates on diabetes in the United States, 2003; Kentucky Department for Education. Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2003; NationalCenter for Health Statistics. Health, United States, 2003; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance 2002 Report.
Kentucky Diabetes Network, Inc.
P O Box 4245
Frankfort, Kentucky 40604-4245
DIABETES IN CHILDREN