‘More help needed’ for childhood diabetes
The NHS should provide more help for the growing number of children with obesity-related diabetes, experts have claimed.
A recent study of 73 adolescents with type II diabetes, indicated that they are still gaining weight despite being treated for the condition, reports the Guardian.
Furthermore, the research revealed that some of the children had begun to show signs of complications, which can potentially lead to blindness, foot amputations and a shortened lifespan.
Dr Julian Shield, consultant paediatrician at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, said the situation is not been adequately addressed.
"We are just treating the side-effects. To lose really large amounts of weight, which you have to do to give yourself a chance to resolve diabetes, is difficult," she said.
"Adolescents do struggle. Some of them manage to lose 35 or 40 kilos. But others find it very, very difficult."
Diabetes UK recently launched a new scheme aimed to help children with type I diabetes under the age of five.
The Insurance Helpline specialises in obtaining cover for people living with diabetes
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