Protecting Our Children from the Dangers of Obesity: Understanding Insulin Resistance and Its Warning Signs

With the rise of fast food and sugary drinks, coupled with decreased physical activity due to smartphones and tablets, obesity has become a serious threat to our children. Global and local statistics confirm this:

Rates of obesity among children and adolescents worldwide have quadrupled since 1990. Locally, the percentage of Saudi children who are overweight or obese reaches 20% (that is, 1 in 5 children).

This has increased the risk of developing several serious problems, including insulin resistance, a major risk factor for diabetes, highlighting the urgent need to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Insulin Resistance: What is it?

Insulin is a hormone that acts like a key that opens the door to our body's cells, allowing sugar to enter and be used as energy. In insulin resistance, this key becomes less effective, making it difficult for sugar to enter cells. As a result, sugar builds up in the blood instead of going where the body needs it.

The Link between Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Obesity, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity are among the main causes of insulin resistance (along with genetics in some cases). This is due to the accumulation of excess fat, which over time reduces the cells' sensitivity to insulin, leading to the development of insulin resistance.

Signs of Insulin Resistance in Children

Early stages of insulin resistance often do not show obvious signs. Therefore, it is essential to have regular blood sugar tests as recommended by the doctor for children who are overweight or obese.

However, there are some signs that may indicate insulin resistance and should be watched for:

Rapid weight gain, especially around the abdomen.

Darkening of skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, or thighs.

Increased thirst and urination, even when drinking adequate amounts of fluids.

Fatigue and lethargy: feeling unusually tired and exhausted.

These signs may indicate insulin resistance, so a doctor should be consulted immediately for necessary tests and appropriate care.

Why Should We Worry About Insulin Resistance in Children?

Insulin resistance can cause serious problems for your child, including:

Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance is the stage that predisposes a child to developing type 2 diabetes, and the chronic risks of this disease, such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and other vital organs, are well known.

Fatty liver: Fat begins to accumulate gradually in the liver, impairing its function.

Metabolic syndrome: Insulin resistance can lead to a cluster of other health problems that increase your child's risk of stroke and heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood sugar.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in girls: This condition causes an increase in male hormones in your daughter, affecting her menstrual cycle, causing acne, and fertility problems as well.

How Can I Protect My Child?

Weight loss through exercise and healthy eating: This is the first and most important step in treating insulin resistance in your child. By doing so, your child's body becomes more responsive to insulin, and the risk of developing diabetes is reduced.
- Exercise:
  - Reduce screen time (TV, computer, video games).
  - Enroll them in sports clubs, such as swimming or football.
  - Set aside time to play outdoors together.
  - Make them responsible for some household chores.
- Healthy diet:
  - Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  - Limit sugary drinks, processed foods, and saturated fats.
  - Talk to your child's school to provide healthy meals in the cafeteria and encourage physical activity during breaks.

Regular medical check-ups: Visit the pediatrician regularly to monitor your child's weight and overall health.

The Importance of Regular Check-ups to Detect Insulin Resistance

Blood sugar tests may be necessary: If your child is overweight or has other risk factors for insulin resistance, such as a family history of diabetes, your doctor may recommend blood sugar tests. These tests will help detect insulin resistance and prediabetes early.

Why is early detection important? Early detection of insulin resistance and prediabetes helps take the necessary measures to prevent the condition from progressing to chronic diabetes. Weight loss through healthy eating and exercise can reverse insulin resistance or at least slow its progression.

A Final Word

Remember that every small step you take today contributes to building a healthy future for your child. Even losing a small amount of weight, just 5-7% of body weight, makes a difference and significantly reduces their risk of developing diabetes.

The goal is not necessarily to reach an ideal weight in a short time, but rather to teach your child healthy habits that will help them maintain a healthy weight throughout their life.