I am sorry to report that for obese children diabetes is a common complication as are foot problems. They include swelling, tenderness, skin tears, wounds that won’t heal, itching, reduced circulation, infection, inflammation, burning, numbness and joint pain that impair balance and hinder walking. 

This week included a wellness visit to the podiatrist for both my father and my beloved. While we were waiting to see the doctor, I learned that most of the other patients in the waiting room were Type 2 (insulin resistant) diabetics. Coincidence? Not so given that over 20 million people in the United States have Type 2 diabetes and 45 million more are pre-diabetic. 

As a certified nutritionist and stress management counselor for over a decade, I work with a growing number of parents having children and adolescents who carry excess weight, and are diagnosed as Type 2 diabetics or pre-diabetics. 

Fortunately, Type 2 diabetes is completely preventable, and almost always curable, using simple lifestyle and dietary modifications. The most avoidable risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is obesity disease. It’s time to help your obese chidren get healthy now.