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Prevention of type 2 diabetes in childhood
1Gila River Indian Community, Department of Public Health, Sacaton, Arizona 85247, USA.
Insights
A school-based diabetes prevention program in Pima children showed promising early results. The Quest program uses education, activity, and nutrition to create a stable environment for behavior change and slow weight gain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Public Health Nutrition
- Community Health Interventions
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes incidence has surged in Pima (Akimel O'odham) children (5-17 years) in the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC).
- Early childhood interventions are crucial for addressing rising pediatric diabetes rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Quest program, a primary diabetes prevention initiative.
- To assess the school environment's role in childhood behavior change and weight management.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of the Quest program in 1996 at a GRIC elementary school.
- Program components included: biochemical/anthropometric assessments, diabetes education, increased physical activity, and structured school meals.
- Target population: kindergarten and grades 1-2 students.
Main Results:
- Preliminary findings suggest the school setting is conducive to behavior modification.
- The program demonstrated potential in interventions aimed at slowing early childhood weight gain.
Conclusions:
- School-based programs can provide a stable platform for diabetes prevention in at-risk pediatric populations.
- The Quest program shows promise in mitigating risk factors for type 2 diabetes in Pima children.
Abstract:
The incidence of type 2 diabetes has increased dramatically in the past decade in Pima (Akimel O'odham) children, aged 5-17 years, living in the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC). As a result, a diabetes primary prevention program called Quest was implemented in 1996 at an elementary school in the GRIC for students in kindergarten and grades 1-2. The Quest program has four components: (1) biochemical and anthropometric assessments, (2) classroom instruction about diabetes, (3) increased daily physical activity at school, and (4) a structured school breakfast and lunch program. Preliminary results of the program indicate that the school provides a stable environment for behavior change and interventions that slow weight gain in early childhood.