Type 2 Diabetes In Schools Essay

Introduction

The issue of diabetes in young children has become a major concern for parents and teachers. Studies show that the main reason behind this is unhealthy eating habits such as eating at fast food restaurants. Most people are unaware of how onset diabetes develops. Teachers should educate students on a healthy lifestyle by creating awareness on healthy eating habits, doing regular exercise and on diseases such as diabetes. Onset diabetes is caused due to unhealthy eating habits such as eating fast food, eating highly processed food and in most cases skipping meals such as breakfast. (Madhu Babu, December 13, 2013).

What is diabetes?

Diabetes occurs due to high blood sugar levels over prolonged periods of time. The three main types of diabetes are, type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is due to body’s failure to produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes starts with insulin resistance and a lack of insulin may also occur at a later stage. The main cause of Type 2 diabetes is obesity and a lack of exercise. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women, where they develop a high blood sugar level during pregnancy. The focus of this essay is on Type 2 diabetes as it results from unhealthy eating.

Most fast food contains high levels of added sugar and fats, and consuming them creates insulin resistance in the body, thus leading to diabetes. Most children are attracted to them by advertisements and parents find it hard to deny them, but this is leading to more obese children.(Linda Hepler, January 12, 2012).To prevent this it is best to avoid fast food restaurants. If you occasionally do eat from such places make sure to order healthier versions containing vegetables and less fried