Childhood diabetes afflicts approximately 151,000 individuals under 20 years old. Over the last twenty years, type 2 diabetes, previously known as adult-onset diabetes, has been increasingly reported in children and adolescents. One explanation for this statistic is the epidemic of obesity and the low level of physical activity among young people. In addition, there is an increased exposure to diabetes in utero, due to the rise in type 2 diabetes among adults (CDC, 2005).
Over the last twenty years, obesity has become the most prevalent nutritional problem in the world, and is affecting adults as well as adolescents and children (Lau, et al, 2006).
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, exercise recommendations for children with diabetes are to have 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day and to limit television and video game time to 1-2 hours per day (Peterson, et al, 2007). The benefits of exercise include enhanced insulin efficacy, weight loss, increased training (increased VO2 max), and enhanced psycho-motor development (Corigliano, et al, 2006). Exercise results in an increased blood flow to the muscles, allowing for enhanced oxygen delivery and waste disposal (Giannini, et. al, 2006).
Children with type 2 diabetes may also be obese which may be a result of, or contribute to low levels of physical activity. Multi-component interventions which involve school, family, and/or the community may have a positive impact on the physical activity levels in children and adolescents (Van Sluijs, et al, 2007).
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