RT-Emerging Epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes in Children Triggers
National Call for Screening; Youth Activist and TV Personality Ananda Lewis
Urges Springfield-area Parents to Screen At-Risk Youth
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The alarming increase in the
number of overweight and obese children in the United States is generating a
new threat -- type 2 diabetes. Typically found in adults, type 2 is becoming
more prevalent in children. Youth advocate and media personality Ananda Lewis
is leading the charge to raise awareness about this serious medical issue.
She is encouraging parents with at-risk children to have them screened for the
condition. Lewis also is alerting parents to the Type 2 Diabetes Study For
Kids, a nationwide multicenter medical research study of an investigational
drug for type 2 diabetes taking place at Baystate Medical Clinic in
Springfield, Mass. This research study may offer eligible children a
preliminary screening test for type 2 diabetes at no cost. Those interested
in learning more can call 1-800-701-4925 or visit www.type2kids.com.
Type 2 diabetes in children is an emerging epidemic, according to the
American Diabetes Association. It is estimated that up to half of new
diabetes cases in children are diagnosed as type 2. New research suggests
that childhood inactivity and obesity play a major role in the early
development of this disease. Family history and ethnicity are also risk
factors. The majority of children with the disease have a first- or second-
degree relative with the condition. The disease is more common in children of
African-American, Latino, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander origin.
Children who have at least two of these risk factors should be screened for
type 2 diabetes.
Ananda Lewis, host of "The Ananda Lewis Show" and MTV personality, has
long been committed to social activism and youth causes. "Modern lifestyles
are putting kids at risk for developing what used to be an adult disease.
It's important to help parents recognize that their children might be at risk
and to consider getting them screened by their doctor for type 2 diabetes,"
says Lewis. She has dedicated much of her time to social issues that bridge
the generation gap, including race and prejudice, mental health and literacy.
Before joining MTV she hosted BET network's top-rated "Teen Summit," which
addressed topics such as date rape and teen parenting. Currently, she serves
as a spokesperson for Reading Is Fundamental.
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's
resistance to and inability to make enough insulin, the hormone that turns
blood sugar into energy. A child may have the disease and not be aware of it
because it is often without symptoms for long periods of time. If not
controlled early, type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of serious
complications developing later, including kidney and heart disease. Early
diagnosis is key to providing children with the knowledge needed to manage the
condition and reduce the future risk of these health problems.
"Recognizing and diagnosing type 2 diabetes in children is the first
critical step on the road to diabetes management and future health," comments
Dr. Elizabeth Estrada, pediatric endocrinologist at Connecticut Children's
Medical Center. "Parents with at-risk children should consider having
children screened for the condition by a doctor. While there's no cure for
diabetes, it's important to treat the disease as early as possible. Since
treatment options -- aside from diet and exercise -- are limited for type 2 in
children, continuing research into this area is essential to address the
serious nature of this disease," continues Estrada.
The Type 2 Diabetes Study For Kids is examining the safety and
effectiveness of an investigational oral medication for managing blood sugar
levels in children with type 2 diabetes. This research study may offer
eligible children a preliminary screening test for type 2 diabetes. Children
who are already diagnosed with type 2 diabetes also may be eligible for
participation. Study participants will be provided with medical evaluations,
diet instruction and attention by a medical team consisting of a physician,
nurse and nutritionist. All research study-related medical attention will be
provided at no cost.
The Type 2 Diabetes Study For Kids is taking place at multiple research
locations across the United States. Overweight and obese children between the
ages of eight and 17 may be eligible for participation. To find out more
about the screening and the Type 2 Diabetes Study For Kids, parents can call
1-800-701-4925. More information also is available at www.type2kids.com.
TO EDITORS: Interviews with local physicians are available by contacting
Elizabeth Gargill, BBK Healthcare, Inc., at (617) 630-5513 or
elizabeth.gargill@bbkhealthcare.com. For an electronic copy of the press kit,
including a high-resolution digital image of Ananda Lewis, please visit our
newsroom at bbkhealthcare.com.
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SOURCE BBK Healthcare, Inc.
/CONTACT: Elizabeth Gargill,
+1-617-630-5513,elizabeth.gargill@bbkhealthcare.com, or Robert Minicucci,
+1-617-630-5504,robert.minicucci@bbkhealthcare.com, both of BBK Healthcare,
Inc./
/Web site: bbkhealthcare.com |
