More and More Obese Children Experiencing Adult Complications of Diabetes and Hypertension
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A growing number of overweight American children and adolescents are being diagnosed with chronic diseases once considered illnesses of adulthood.
In addition to the well-known rise in Type 2 diabetes among U.S. youth, children affected by obesity also are suffering from fatty liver disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and sleep apnea. Concern is mounting because the long-term effect of developing chronic diseases early in life can lead to a slew of health issues.
"The earlier you develop diabetes, the more likely you are to develop complications," says Dr. Paula Butler, chief of endocrinology at Mount Sinai Hospital. "People will be having eye problems early, heart problems early, strokes early and go on dialysis. They will suffer knee and back pain, have sleep problems. They may not be able to work. It affects quality of life."
