Reference no: EM132326964

It is important to eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of healthy foods, and implementing a good exercise program. Obesity is a leading risk factor for adult type 2 diabetes. Obesity is found in approximately 55% of patients diagnosed with the disease. Decrease your weight if it is too high. In addition to diabetes, obesity can lead to heart disease, stroke, hypertension, hypothyroidism, congestive heart failure, gout, pregnancy complications and many other problems. Exercise is of primary importance in the prevention and management of adult type 2 diabetes. Exercise helps keep blood glucose levels down and has other health benefits, as well. Prevention of the disease will require measures to promote exercise and reduce obesity. Symptoms of adult type 2 diabetes can begin so gradually that a person may not be concerned at first. Symptoms include: excessive thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, increased appetite, unexplained fatigue, slow healing cuts, bruises, and wounds, frequent or lingering infections. Until about 10 years ago, children who were diagnosed with diabetes typically had type 1, or juvenile-onset diabetes. However, more and more children today are being diagnosed with type 2. Although this is still a fairly infrequent occurrence, medical professionals are concerned because of the rise in childhood obesity.