Type 2 diabetes reaching epidemic proportions
Dr. Nancy Snyderman for NBC News Channel:There are two major types of diabetes. Type one, where your body can not make insulin and type 2, where your body does not use insulin properly. Type 2 is the most common and some experts think it is reaching epidemic proportions.
For decades, type 2 diabetes has been known as adult onset diabetes because it usually develops later in life. But that is quickly changing.
Valerie Roman knows that all too well. She is a 41-year-old diabetic who is no longer battling her disease alone. Now her son David is dealing with the same type of diabetes diagnosed at age 9.
"As the patient, you know that everything is going to be alright. As a mom, you get the guilt," explained Roman. You just want to grab him and put him in your arms as if he was a baby and cuddle and hope that it goes away."
Experts predict that if Americans continue their current behaviors, 1 in 3 children today will develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime.
"We're seeing a major increase in diabetes, and children are at risk now more than they ever have been," Dr. Richard Bergenstal of the American Diabetes Association. "Children, just like adults, are becoming more obese. They're getting less exercise."
The Diabetes and Obesity Institute at Winthrop University Hospital in New York, helps diabetics and those at risk, by teaching them how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
"People don't eat as a family anymore for dinner. People are running. The food choices have changed. Processed foods. All of that has contributed," said Virginia Peragallo-Dittko of the Diabetes and Obesity Institute at Winthrop University Hospital. "Exercise is something that people have to now plan and schedule. It used to be part of life."
"I never dreamed that David would have an exercise routine, mom Valeria Roman said. "I thought regular play would be enough."
So, David has joined the ranks of 24 million Americans learning to live with and manage diabetes.
"I'm going to do anything to stay healthy. Because if you don't, and you have diabetes, it's gonna like pull you back," David said. "I'm never gonna give up on myself because I have diabetes."
"David and I are in it together for a really long time," added mom Valerie."We're going to doing this, and I can't think of a better support than my own son. And I hope vice versa for him."
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American Diabetes Association with their Stop Diabetes Campaign,
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