Though it is traditionally an adult-onset disease, type 2 diabetes is on the rise in children. Since it is a disease based on lifestyle factors, many health care professionals are advising parents to instill healthy habits in their children at an early age.
Moderate exercise and a healthy diet are key to preventing type 2 diabetes. However, many parents struggle with ensuring even that in their children. Luckily for those parents, research is pointing to a third way to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in children.
More Sleep May Reduce Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
A recent study published in Pediatrics reports that kids who sleep more per week have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. They are also, coincidentally, less likely to become obese.
The study took place in the U.K. and examined 4,525 children between the ages of 9 and 10.
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The children were given a questionnaire which included the questions regarding the time they went to sleep at night and the time they usually wake up in the morning.
Children who slept longer had almost a 3% reduction in insulin resistance and a lower fasting glucose than those who got less sleep. They were also generally leaner and lower in body weight.
Sleep and Diabetes
The link between sleep and diabetes is not a new one. Researchers have been looking at the link for years to better understand how to treat and prevent diabetes.
According to an article published on WebMD, sleep deprivation may lead to a pre-diabetic state. The body’s natural reaction to sleep loss looks a lot like insulin resistance, which is a key symptom of type 2 diabetes.
Proper sleep, a healthy diet, and moderate exercise are proven ways to prevent type 2 diabetes.
[expand title=”References“]
Reader’s Digest. URL Link. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
WebMD. URL Link. Retrieved August 24, 2017.
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