Study: Rate of children with Type 2 Diabetes rising 50 per cent

A study with the University of Manitoba is discovering the idea of lifestyle choices affecting diabetes may not be entirely correct. 

The study finds that in the past 10 years, there has been a 50 per cent increase in children being diagnosed with diabetes. Researchers say this rate is even higher for children on First Nations reserves. They say children in these communities are 25 times more likely to become diagnosed than anywhere else in Manitoba

“Type 2 diabetes is increasing in all populations in Manitoba, including children, but the numbers are disproportionately high for registered First Nations children,” Dr. Chelsea Ruth, Assistant Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba says.

Researchers say they are finding inequalities when it comes to healthcare for those with diabetes, especially those on First Nations Reserves. They say that they find while those on reserves have roughly the same access to primary care, they are still struggling with complications from diabetes like amputations. Researchers say this is coming from not receiving care that fits the needs of communities.

“The health system has made it the responsibility of the client with this simplistic idea that if you live healthy, eat healthy, and exercise, you’re less likely to have type 2 diabetes. We know there’s more to it than that,” Lorraine McLeod, associate director of the Diabetes Integration Project (DIP), says.

The university says the study is urging that care for those with diabetes is not one-sie-fits-all and requires solutions to unique needs.

The study also found that women with type 2 were three times more likely to require hospitalization when pregnant and that their babies are four times more likely to require intensive care.

Researchers say they have seen improvement where Wijii'idiwag Ikwewag: Manitoba Indigenous Birth Helper's Initiative is used. The traditional birthing and teaching programs are done in First Nation communities and address type 2 diabetes. 

“We saw a high level of eye and kidney screening in the Northern Regional Health Authority, where these programs are,” Dr. Elizabeth Sellers, Professor, Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba says.

The researcher says they approach has been incredibly positive.