Pediatric and other health experts working with the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) are pleased to have been invited by the American Association for Health Education to create this contribution to the American Journal of Health Education. The eight articles contribute directly to initiatives that help fulfill NDEP's mission to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes. NDEP is a federally funded program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and includes over 200 partners at the federal, state and local levels.
In 2007, about 186,300 young people under age 20 were reported to have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Most have type I diabetes, but as obesity rates in children increase, type 2 diabetes--a disease that used to be seen primarily in adults over age 45--is becoming more common in young people. These young people and their families, as well as health care providers and health educators, face challenges when dealing with diabetes.
Articles in this issue of the Journal present practical evidence-based information to help health educators address the needs of youth at high risk for diabetes, as well as youth who have diabetes. These young people and their families need help to:
* develop healthy eating and physical activity habits
* utilize new diabetes management technologies
* cope with psychosocial stressors associated with diabetes management
* function fully and safely in all school activities
* access helpful community resources
Interventions from health educators will make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of young people with or at risk for diabetes. Our success in meeting the needs of these young people will also help ensure the health of future generations.
Griffin P. Rodgers is the director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
