Blueberry Family Health Foundation hopes to end Type 2 Diabetes In Children
In September 2013, families in the blueberry industry got together and started the Blueberry Family Health Foundation (BFHF). The vision of the foundation is “to end type 2 diabetes in children.”, and their mission is to “improve the lives of children and families by supporting research, education, and wellness initiatives.”
Formerly an adult-related disease, the CDC estimates that one third of children born after the year 2020 will develop diabetes, mainly type 2, in their lifetime. Most children with type 2 diabetes are overweight, often obese, and between 10 and 19 years old. Obesity is the #1 risk factor, followed by inactivity, family history, and race.
Health challenges resulting from type 2 diabetes in children include heart and blood vessel disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, foot damage, skin condition, and even amputations. High risk races include African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, and Asian/Pacific Islander.
On a positive note, type 2 diabetes is preventable through lifestyle changes. While there is no cure, the disease can be managed with a healthy diet, exercise, and/or medications and insulin therapy. Also, a 2020 report in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating lots of blueberries can substantially reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The BFHF hopes to unite the “resources in agriculture with the diabetes community to design, fund, and implement programs that raise awareness, educate, and provide access to healthy foods for children.” The first phase will specifically address unhealthy snacking habits.
Founding partners include blueberry farms and organizations around North America, and donations can be made starting with $50 here using eCheck or credit card.
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