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Also Misra further elaborates that healthy foods are not necessarily expensive if one were to make intelligent choices and adjustments in their dietary preferences. When it comes to children, she also states that good habits can be imbedded in kids by giving them smaller portions, by cutting them in to smaller pieces or different shapes so as to make it more enjoyable and fun.

Children who become diabetic also have to deal with peer pressure. They find diet choices confusing, and being different when it comes to picking out foods in the cafeteria can be an ordeal. "Young children are honest to the point of rudeness and being pointed out as different can be hurtful or damaging to their self-image," Misra adds.

For diabetic children, Misra says this can result in high-risk behaviors. She says they will eat foods they should avoid just to be part of the group and adds that young children and teens tend to think of themselves as invincible.

Health care providers must also get more involved, Misra says. They must work harder to educate parents - especially minority parents - on healthier diets and advise them on how to encourage their children to be more active. Type 2 diabetes in children most often occurs during mid-puberty as changes in hormone levels during this period cause insulin resistance and decreased insulin action and parents need to be aware of this information. Low-income families may not be able to afford frequent trips to the doctor but, if they are aware of the problem, there is good information available to them through other sources such as the American Diabetes Association's Web site , school health programs, and local health departments.

Misra believes parents, schools, health providers and the food industry must begin working together to decrease the number of children who are obese and in danger of becoming diabetic.
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Contact: Tura King
tmk@univrel.tamu.edu
979-845-4670
Texas A&M University
12-Mar-2004