Change your child's diet and reduce the need for organ transplants

According to , nearly half of overweight children become overweight adults. National Institutes of Health. Obesity in an adult can be the starting point for other health problems, some of which are caused by her type 2 diabetes.in study According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers have found that most adults with type 2 diabetes are also overweight.

Shelly Greve, RN, Transplant Coordinator Loma Linda University Transplant Institutesays that the majority of patients she sees on a daily basis are severely affected by type 2 diabetes. “Type 2 diabetes is the number one cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and hypertension is another contributing factor to chronic kidney disease and ESRD. Both diagnoses can be associated with obesity, and both require treatment with dialysis. or both. kidney transplant” says Greve.

Although diabetes can also be caused by genetics, parents can reduce the chance that their child will have to deal with health problems associated with type 2 diabetes, such as kidney or liver damage, as an adult. There's a lot you need to know and a lot you can do, Grave says.

1. obesity affects the liver Obesity can lead to liver damage as it can lead to so-called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD can cause scarring of the liver. As cirrhosis progresses, treatment may be required. liver transplant. Risk factors for NAFLD are obesity, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Obesity and diabetes affect the kidneys. obesity is a risk factor type 2 diabetes According to the National Institutes of Health. The heavier you are, the greater the strain on your organs. Saturated fat, found in foods such as bacon, french fries, fried chicken, and many other fried foods, is known to increase cholesterol. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory process that originates from the deposition of cholesterol within the walls of arteries, which can then turn into plaques that obstruct blood flow to organs and lead to many health complications, including organ failure. There is a gender.
3. Dietary changes can have a big impact. A patient's weight may be controlled through diet. Grebe says that even if diabetes isn't inherited, the way you eat can increase your chances of developing it. She recommends eating foods that our bodies are designed to digest and convert into energy. She also advises avoiding foods with preservatives as much as possible, as preservatives slow down the digestive process and can be stored as fat instead of being converted into energy. Fresh foods from natural sources such as seeds, legumes, plants, vines, and roots are healthy options and should make up the majority of what we consume. This is best for your overall health and reduces the chance of obesity-related health problems.
4. exercise. Calories from carbohydrates and healthy fats, such as avocados and eggs, are what our bodies use for energy. If a person does not use up the calories they eat, the body stores them as fat. Increased body fat leads to obesity, possible diabetes, and the road ahead. Greve says it's not just about eating well. Stay active.
5. A small change in the number on the scale can get you out of the danger zone. Grebe says many people can change their path to type 2 diabetes by reducing body fat by 10%. By that 10 percent, hemoglobin A1C can drop from the prediabetic range. Once that is achieved, she says, the key is to continue losing weight to prevent the progression of prediabetes, which can lead to insulin-dependent diabetes. She also encourages patients to continue the dietary and exercise changes that led to the 10% weight loss, as this can continue to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

These are all small steps and facts that parents can keep in mind when thinking about their child's health. If you are concerned about your child's weight or diet, please contact Loma Linda University Primary Care to speak with your primary care physician. 909-558-6600. You can also make a reservation online. My chart. This is one way Loma Linda University Health can get your health right to your doorstep.