Weight gain, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise reduce the action of insulin, which is a hormone that allows sugar to enter cells where it can be used for energy.  Initially, the body compensates for the resistance by increasing production. However, over time the ability of the pancreas to increase production doesn't keep up and blood sugar begins to rise, leading eventually to type 2 diabetes.

There has been a lot of research done on type 2 diabetes, most of which show that the disease accounts for up to 45% of new cases among adolescents. The research also shows higher percentages in areas such as New York, Taiwan, New Zealand, and Canada.

This is some information which GKA is hoping parents start taking notice of and is a point of conversation to be included in the GKA parent education tour to be held next year in places all over New Zealand.  For more information on the tour, click here to contact us.