November 2, 2005 for immediate release

The prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in children will be explored in aUNBC research project that is involving more than 300 students in fourPrince George elementary schools.

The study is being led by Hanh Huynh (pronounced: Han hu-WIN) of theNorthern Medical Program, who will be working with other researchers tomeasure the food intake, physical activity, blood pressure, and bodymeasurements of the grade 1-6 students at Ron Brent, Southridge, PedenHill, and Edgewood elementary schools.

“Diabetes has long been considered an adult disease, but its prevalenceis on the rise in children,” says Dr. Huynh. “Type 2 Diabetes inchildren has been more strongly linked to obesity than to any otherclinical condition. As the child population becomes increasinglyoverweight, we can expect that Type 2 Diabetes will become even morecommon and occur in even younger children.”

Previous national studies have found that, between 1981 and 1996, thenumber of overweight children has risen from 11 to 33% in boys and from13 to 27 % in girls. Obesity rates have risen from 2 to 10% in boys andfrom 2 to 9% in girls. “There is no system in place to monitor obesitytrends, especially for children. Our study will involve one survey peryear, for six years. This year, we will obtain baseline informationfrom School District #57. Then, we’ll track changes over time, as wellas the effects of prevention programs we implement locally to helpchildren become more active and healthy.”

Researchers are expecting to start their first school visits later thismonth. All students participating in the study will only be identifiedwith their Personal Educational Number, which will ensureconfidentiality and assist with tracking of the students over the studyperiod.

“We’ve selected Grade 1 to Grade 6 (6-11 year old age group) becausethe increase in childhood obesity is most prevalent in this group andbecause Type 2 Diabetes in children has been diagnosed as early as 10years of age,” says Dr. Huynh.  “A community-specific study likethis has never been conducted in Prince George before. The support ofthe schools and parents has been just amazing, and with this wonderfulsupport, we will have a better chance of being successful in preventingthe development of Type 2 Diabetes in our child population. As adults,we owe this to our children.”

Contact:
Hanh Huynh, Northern Medical Program, UNBC - 250.960.6444
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622