Study aimed at controlling diabetes, obesity in adolescents

OKLAHOMA CITY - With Oklahoma having a state health ranking of 48th in the nation and Type II Diabetes accounting for 50 percent of new diabetes diagnoses among children, physicians want to become more involved in helping to control what some have already termed an epidemic.

“Nearly 25 percent of Oklahoma’s population is obese and slightly more than seven percent have diabetes in the state,” Dr. Corder stated. “Obesity is one of the main causes of Type II Diabetes in children, which contributes to both insulin resistance as well as cardiovascular problems. The single greatest risk factor to children and adolescents with Type II Diabetes is excess weight. “

In Type II Diabetes the various cells in a child’s body are resistant to the effects of insulin which causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream. The increased volume of fat cells in overweight children merely adds to the resistance effect of the child’s own insulin. Formerly referred to as adult-onset diabetes, it is currently estimated that 2.8 million adolescents in the U.S. have either pre-diabetes or Type II Diabetes and that approximately one-third of all children born in 2000 will develop diabetes during childhood or adolescence. This will eventually cause glucose levels in the body to reach dangerous levels which can lead to complications such as heart disease, blindness and kidney failure.

This is where doctors desire to make a difference – by studying the effectiveness of new diabetic medications accompanied by dietary education. According to Dr. Corder, this has the potential to control diabetes and obesity in adolescent diabetic patients.

“At this time oral medications are currently being used to treat Type II Diabetes in adults. We believe that new diabetic medications could be very beneficial to adolescents between the ages of 10 and 17 who are also suffering,” stated Dr. Corder. “The study that we are conducting will last for approximately one year and include about 15 visits to our clinic. As well, a registered dietician will be working with both our young patients and their caregivers on how to follow a better diet and exercise program.”

“This is an vital study addressing an important medical issue among today’s youth,” Dr. Corder stated. “Even if your child or teenager does not have Type II Diabetes, chances are you do know someone who could still benefit from taking this medication.”

Located in Oklahoma City, COR Clinical Research may be reached at (405) 272-8481 for more information on how to become involved in an adolescent diabetic study.