An original story reported by NBC Nightly News has drawn attention to the chilling studies that have shown type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes are skyrocketing among adolescents. US Today reported that the rates of diabetes in children was at 9% in 2000 to 23% in 2008. In better news, the incidence of hypertension in adolescents remains relatively unchanged throughout this time period as does the percentage of obese teens (34%). As we examine and provide care to our patients, it is important not to forget that these cardiovascular risk factors do exist in both the elderly and young, and we must be cognizant of them during our assessment of ocular and overall health of our patients of all age groups.
By: Antonio Chirumbolo SUNY 2013
OptometryStudents.com Content and Interview Coordinator
