Kids and diabetes
By Bill Stanczykiewicz

One of the top health concerns in Hoosier schools does not need to prevent students from reaching the top of the mountain.

That is the encouraging message from Kris Freeman, America's top-ranked cross country skier. Freeman has become a world-class athlete despite living with diabetes.

Diabetes is the second most chronic disease affecting children. According to the American Diabetes Association, one in three children born in the year 2000 eventually will live with diabetes, which is why the disease is considered to be one of the top five health concerns for schools and youth organizations.

More alarming, children as young as 10 years old are developing Type 2 diabetes, a disease often described as "adult-onset" because it typically affects people after age 40. A link exists between weight and Type 2 diabetes, which is a significant challenge in Indiana. Between 2003 and 2005, the Hoosier State saw a 3.5 percent increase in the number of high school students who were overweight, moving Indiana ahead of the national average.

Type 1 diabetes develops when the body's immune system does not produce the hormone insulin that is needed to convert glucose (sugar) into energy. Type 2 occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce sufficient amounts of the hormone.

As a result, people with diabetes are two to four times more likely to suffer heart attacks and strokes. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure and adult blindness, and the ailment reduces life expectancy by seven to ten years.

Diabetes also is the single most costly chronic disease in America. The national bill for diabetes-related hospital stays totaled $10.2 billion in 2003, and nearly one-third of all Medicare payments went toward medical care for diabetics.

That is why it is important for parents, teachers and youth workers to learn the warning signs of diabetes, especially since the time-consuming test to diagnose diabetes often is not part of the routine physical exam given to schoolchildren or student athletes. The warning signs can include extreme hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, itching skin, blurred vision, a fruity or sweet breath odor and heavy, labored breathing.

Once diagnosed, diabetes can be managed with medication and proper diet. Children should be encouraged to be physically active at least 30 minutes per day. Ensure that children eat properly at regular intervals, including between meal snacks that boost blood sugar levels.

At schools and youth agencies, diabetic children need a private area to perform routine medical tasks, and the adults in charge should be aware that many children can administer their own medical treatment for diabetes. With this type of awareness, a child with diabetes can enjoy normal activities, including sports, afterschool activities and field trips. Just ask Kris Freeman.

Since being diagnosed with diabetes in 2000, Freeman has won the U.S. cross country skiing championships twice. He competed in the 2002 and 2006 Olympics, and in 2010 he will try to become the first American to medal in this Nordic sport since 1976.

While the cause and cure of diabetes remain a mystery, Freeman's success demonstrates that the chronic disease can be managed. Freeman checks his blood sugar and injects medication up to 10 times per day, and he eats 5,000 carefully-planned calories to maintain proper levels of blood sugar.

Last summer, Freeman visited "Camp Until a Cure," hosted by the Diabetes Youth Foundation in Indiana. Freeman spoke with young diabetics between the ages of 8 and 15 about their common ailment, how he manages, and how he refuses to let diabetes be an obstacle to success.

At the subsequent Lilly for Life Achievement Awards, hosted by Eli Lilly & Company, Freeman said the children and youth encouraged him to continue scaling to new heights. "Their stories inspire and motivate me to continue to train hard and pursue my Olympic dreams," Freeman said. "To them I say, 'Believe in yourself, and everything is possible.'"

Know the warning signs, especially since the test for diabetes is not part of standard physical exams for kids. And be confident that young people who are diabetic can be active. Very active.

Anyone who doubts that life can still be sweet despite diabetes should try to keep up with Kris Freeman on the cross country trail.

Bill Stanczykiewicz is President & CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute. He can be reached at iyi@iyi.org.