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Type 2 diabetes was once called adult-onset diabetes, because it only appeared in adults. Now the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. Today more than one-third of new diabetes cases in children and teens are Type 2. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

Students will participate in a forum on Type 2 diabetes and on ways individuals and society can respond to this growing public health problem. Tell students that they should collect information and record their own ideas so that they can contribute to the following discussion points in the forum:

What is Type 2 diabetes?

What do statistics tell us about the incidence of the disease?

Why is Type 2 diabetes becoming more common in children and teens?

How is Type 2 diabetes treated?

How can Type 2 diabetes be delayed or prevented?

What can society do to address this public health problem?

Have students bring their notes to the forum and sit so they can see one another. Post the forum questions so students can refer to them. Designate a different moderator for each of the questions. Let students share what they have learned. Ask them if they think people their age are aware that their lifestyle choices can directly influence their vulnerability to diabetes. Have them discuss these questions:

Should society do something to address the growing problem of diabetes?

Is this a public health problem? If so, what makes it one?

Should more information about diabetes be broadcast to young people?

Do you think they would respond to it and make changes in their lifestyles to reduce their chances of getting diabetes? Why or why not?