Study: Most sophomore students have a family history of diabetes

A recently issued research study on diabetes showed that majority of sophomore students who are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent have a family history of diabetes, putting them at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes.

At least 453 sophomore students from public schools in the CNMI were surveyed for the study, entitled the Prevalence of Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes. The study was authored by public health coordinators Sharon Daves, Lynn Tenorio and Dr. Richard Brostrom for the school year 2003 to 2004. The results were released two weeks ago.

Seventy-eight percent or 353 respondents reported that they have family members with diabetes; only 72 student-respondents or 16 percent did not have parents, relatives and guardians with the illness. About 28 respondents—about 6 percent—said they are not aware if their family members have the disease.

The study focused on sophomore students since the researchers wanted to determine the actual prevalence of diabetes among the youth, considering the increasing number of risk factors for type 2 diabetes being discovered in children. The researchers said this requires a corresponding increase in the need for prevention measures.

The study examined certain risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including body mass index, acanthosis nigricans or skin pigment discoloration, and family history of diabetes.

The team also found out that the students lacked knowledge and understanding of the illness.

A total of 363 students or 82 percent responded that eating too much sugar causes diabetes and sweet foods; only 11 percent responded correctly that diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot use food properly.

Fifty percent of the respondents answered correctly on the types of diabetes. With regards to diabetes control, 185 students responded that a person with diabetes “can only eat sugar-free foods.”

Fast food availability and consumption, coupled with limited physical activity, is of great concern for the future generation of the CNMI, said the report.

Seventy-nine students or 18 percent reported eating fast food five to seven days a week, while 217 or 50 percent of them said they eat fast food three to four days a week. Soft drink intake was also noted in the study. The report said that 206 students or 47 percent said they drink regular soft drink three to four days a week; 126 students or 29 percent confirmed that they drink soft drinks five to seven days a week.

They were also asked about their high-sugar drink intake (iced teas, juices in tetra packs, etc.) and 191 students—44 percent—said they consume these drinks five to seven days a week and 184 or 42 percent said they drink high sugar drinks only three to four days per week.

Among the intervention measures that the study is recommending to prevent diabetes is to provide nutrition education to help the students learn to eat a healthy, balanced diet to avoid weight gain during their school years.

“With the CNMI lifestyle that includes many parties and fiestas filled with various types of food, coupled with an increased consumption of fast food among CNMI youth, many students might not be aware of what is included in a healthy, balanced diet,” the study said.

Therefore educating the population regarding the different components of a healthy diet and how one’s eating behaviors affects one’s weight and energy level is very critical, researchers said.

During the period of the cross-sectional study—fall semester of 2003—there were 925 sophomores enrolled in all public and private schools in the CNMI. A parental consent form was provided to all these students. Of this number, the researchers had 453 respondents.