Happy children are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those whose psychosocial load is negative, according to a Finnish study.
The results of this long -term study were carried out by scientists from the University of Helsinki, who believe that the emotional state of children are of great importance in the future of their health."An early stable and support environment gives good resistance against the development of obesity and diabetes," the researchers said.
"Our interpretation is that this is because happy children who grow under positive family circumstances have better models for healthy lifestyles and more support to adhere to them."
The psychosocial scores of 3,553 children without type 1 diabetes were based on a questionnaire completed by the parents.The questionnaire included six subdomains: socioeconomic state, favorable emotional environment, parents' health behaviors, absence of stressful events, child's self -control and social adjustment of the child.
The researchers also measured the blood glucose levels of children in 1986, at the beginning of the study, and again in 2001, 2007 and 2012.
A 21 percent decrease in the type 2 diabetes rate was observed, among those who had higher psychosocial scores, that is, in happy children, as well as a decreased risk of 8% of prediabetes.The highest psychosocial scores were also associated with greater control of blood glucose levels in each follow -up.
"It is important that the doctor asked him about the circumstances of the patient's life," said main author Laura Pulkki-Raback, PhD.“For example, if the patient has a stressful situation of life, it is not advisable to recommend major lifestyle changes such as the stressful situation is ongoing.“When it comes to gathering families with children, it is important to recognize that parents' behaviors have a huge effect on the child's behavior. Therefore, children's health promotion begins with interventions aimed atparents.."
The study has been published online at the American Journal of Preventive Medicine
American Journal of Preventive Medicinelaura Pulkk-Rabackniños Diabetesniños Happy