Childhood diabetes boosts risk for kidney problems

Washington, Dec 30 (UNI) As more and more children are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, it raised another serious threat to their health, a recent study shows.

Children and teens diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are five times more likely to develop kidney disease later in life than those who develop diabetes as adults, the study found.

The findings underscore the importance of preventing or at least delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes, doctors said.

''Since the development of diabetic kidney disease is strongly dependent on the duration of diabetes, developing diabetes in youth leads to a high risk of kidney disease in early to mid adulthood,'' Washington Post quoted Robert G Nelson, study author and staff clinician at US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) as saying.

Citing an example he 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 prevalent among children and teens, largely due to the obesity epidemic estimating about 43 per cent as type 2 disease comparing before the age of 20 with those who developed the disease between the ages 25 and 55.

''Nephropathy (kidney failure) may be prevented by strict control of blood sugar levels and avoiding smoking. Diagnosing and treating high blood pressure early may also prevent or slow the development of the kidney disease,'' said Pascale Lane diabetic neuropathy specialist and associate chairwoman at University of Nebraska.

Efforts also need to focus on preventing it in children through lifestyle changes that emphasize weight loss and increased exercise, Mr Nelson added.

''Calorie-dense fast foods must be replaced by healthy alternatives provided in reasonable portions, and hours of TV watching must be replaced by activities that require exercise, '' he concluded.

UNI