red two of the strongest risk factors.
Regarding Type II Diabetes in adolescents, Ponder, Sullivan and McBarth (2000) report that when children are diagnosed with this condition it is often directly linked to weight which, in turn is linked to diet. The authors further point out that just as childhood and adolescent obesity is increasing in Western societies, along with it is the diagnosis of Type II diabetes in teens.
According to Bobo and associates (2004), there is not yet a firm consensus on the national prevalence of Type II diabetes in the adolescent population. However, in general, the incidence of the condition has risen by over 50 percent in the last decade alone, especially among minority children. On average, however, most teens who are diagnosed with the disease tend to be overweight, insulin resistant, have a family history of the condition, and often have acanthosis nigricans. As with adults, the disease is associated with excess weight and decreased energy expenditure. Nutrition and diet can also play an important role in the etiology of teenage diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2005).
This paper presents a research proposal for developing and evaluating a prevention program involving exercise for weight loss and dietary changes for teens in order to reduce their likelihood of developing Type II diabetes. The paper presents a review of the relevant literature in relation to the problem and its solution, along with budget information.
The onset of Type II diabetes in adolescence is a serious problem for several reasons. As noted by Silink, Kaichi and Rosenbloom (2003), it puts teens at risk for a variety of illnesses including heart disease, poor vision, kidney disease and circulatory problems if they do not keep their sugar under control. Further, the authors report that evidence is mounting that when Type II diabetes is acquired at an early age, there is a tendency for it to progress aggressively...