April 15, 2008
Annette Coyle tests Board Member Bill Kristovich's blood glucose at Tribal Gathering.
A Future Free of Diabetes
By Annette Coyle, RD LD, Clinical Diabetes Educator
The theme of this year's Tribal Unity Gathering was "Our Children - Their Future." We hope that our children's future will be one free of type 2 diabetes. However, as Michael Steele said, "Without action, hope passively waits on others to solve problems. Without action, hope looks to next year instead of doing the hard work required today. Without action, hope is powerless to transform lives."
As community leaders, elders, teachers, health care professionals, parents, grandparents and friends, what can we do to reduce the chance that our children will develop type 2 diabetes?
We need to understand who is at risk and what can be done to lower that risk. We also need to be aware of the warning signs of type 2 diabetes. We need to set a good example for our children by embracing a healthy lifestyle. Finally, we need to work together to transform our communities into places where traditional foods and values are cherished and where healthy foods and healthy activities are available for everyone.
Kids with type 2 diabetes are often overweight and not physically active. They usually have a close blood relative with diabetes. Warning signs of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, feeling very tired, and losing weight without trying. Dark skin on the neck or under the arms is also a warning sign. If you have any of these risk factors or signs, make an appointment at your local health clinic for a blood glucose screening.
Kids can lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating traditional Native foods, whole grains, and lots of fresh, frozen or canned vegetables and fruits. Limiting Kool-aid, soda pop, candy and junk food will help kids maintain a healthy weight. Most importantly, kids can lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by being physically active. Get involved in school sports. Help with the chores. Run! Jump! Dance! Play!
If you have questions about type 2 diabetes, please feel free to call us at 543-6133 or 1-877-543-6133. We will be happy to send you educational materials about how to prevent type 2 diabetes in children.
Lets all work to make our children's future free of diabetes.
