Adult diabetes now seen in children

The fact that pediatricians are vigorously treating type 2 diabetes leaves no room to sugarcoat the problem, as Dr. Masroor Kakakhel sees it.

One out of seven children in the United States is overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is leading to health problems that were once isolated to adults.

Seven years ago, there were hardly any children with type 2 diabetes at the clinic, according to Kakakhel, known to his patients as Dr. K. He is the medical director of Monfort Children's Clinic in Greeley.

Now, 10 percent to 15 percent of the children seen at the clinic are on their way to becoming diabetic or already have the disease that used to be seen primarily in adults.

Type 2 diabetes "has crept into pediatrics," Kakakhel said. "We are being trained to recognize and treat it."

As obesity rates in children continue to swell -- the number has more than doubled since the early 1970s -- so do obesity-related diseases, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.

Kakakhel often sees children who weigh 200 pounds or more.

Now, he said, pediatricians are having to treat children for diseases that can cause early death, kidney disease, stroke, blindness, hardship on joints and developing bones.

Obesity has become one of the top issues for pediatricians.

Treating diabetes costs the nation billions of health-care dollars and is closely linked to the top three killers in the United States -- heart disease, cancer and stroke.

In spite of being overfed, the nation is undernourished.

Americans consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, less than the nine servings recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The vegetable of choice, potatoes, and the way it is cooked, usually fried, doesn't match dietary recommendations.

Americans eat less than half of the recommended dark-green and orange vegetables, two categories emphasized by dietary experts, according to the USDA.

Eating more fruits and vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke. Growing bodies need the vitamins and nutrients. A lack of vitamins and nutrients can mean more sick days from school or work, an inability to perform and stunted growth, Kakakhel said.

Being undernourished is a problem for thin people as well.

Psychosocial issues include advertising, he said, recalling a study that found advertisements for cars and food dominated television.

"It is easier to get a sandwich and super-size it for 9 cents," Kakakhel said.

In some cultures, a fat baby means a healthy baby, he said. It is difficult to change deep-rooted beliefs and behaviors.

In one year, Kakakhel said, he helped 157 people to quit smoking. But with obesity, "I have had failures.

"Obesity needs to be treated. Food habits need to be addressed."

Generally, obese children have obese parents. Sixty-four percent of American adults are overweight or obese, according to the CDC.

"Imagine what will happen in 20 years when these kids become adults and have their own kids," he said.