Diabetes/Obesity (Metabolic Disorders)

Diabetes is a disease that afflicts nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States—or 7 percent of the population—according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One in every 400 to 600 children and adolescents has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and therefore requires insulin supplementation. While Type 2 diabetes (or non-insulin dependent diabetes) is rare in children, the CDC reports it is being diagnosed more frequently. One of the risk factors attributed to this increase is childhood obesity.

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation claims that overweight and obese children are at greater risk for contracting more types of illness—such as more digestive problems, higher rates of asthma or diabetes. This can also mean more challenges to their quality of life.

Pediatric physicians and nutrition specialists can offer one-on-one nutrition and weight management counseling to help your child meet his or her health goals and better manage medical conditions.

At Lake Forest Hospital, we offer a weight management program for children between the ages of eight to 14 that is designed to build healthy bodies through increased physical activity and a targeted diet composed of nutritious foods. The S.T.A.R.S. program, or Start Targeting and Reach Success, includes six individual consultations with a registered dietitian.

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