My Overweight Child: Childhood Diabetes Increases Risk for Kidney Problems

Childhood Obesity - Do you have an overweight child? We offer tips to help your child lose weight and get fit!

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Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Childhood Diabetes Increases Risk for Kidney Problems

Children and teens that are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are five times more likely to develop kidney disease than people who develop diabetes as adults. The risk of kidney disease is equated, not with age, but with how long someone has had Type 2 diabetes.

"Citing an example [Robert Nelson] explained, 'A 15-year-old person with 10 years of type 2 diabetes has the same risk of kidney disease as a 55-year-old with 10 years of type 2 diabetes.'"

Diabetes is becoming increasingly common among young people as obesity rates rise. While kidney disease can be prevent through proper management of diabetes, Mr. Nelson also emphasized the importance of reducing the prevalence of childhood obesity.

Labels: diabetes, kidney_disease, obesity_rates