Type 2 diabetes in children makes big rise in Queensland

The number of Queensland children under 18 with type 2 diabetes has jumped since 2012.

Figures from Diabetes Queensland show a 72 per cent jump in just under four years.

Diabetes Queensland chief executive Michelle Trute said that in 2012, 47 children had type 2 diabetes. “As of January this year, it’s 81.”

Trute said weight gain and physical inactivity are the main contributing factors for type 2 diabetes, but added in some demographics there is also a genetic pre-disposition. She said the disease presents a $610 million a year cost to the state health system, adding the onset of type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed in 60 per cent of cases with healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

“The consequences of type 2 diabetes can be complicated, so it’s important that kids, parents and carers all understand the risk factors and help promote fresh food and exercise.

“Defending against type 2 diabetes begins with five serves of vegetables and two of fruit a day,” Trute said. “Just 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week, can halve your risk of diabetes."