American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently issued guidelines
to provide evidence-based recommendations on managing type 2
diabetes in children aged 10 to 18. The guidelines are the first
of their kind for this age group. The recommendations suggest
integrating lifestyle modifications, including diet and
exercise, in concert with medication rather than as an isolated
initial treatment approach. Specifically, clinicians should
encourage patients to engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise
for at least 60 minutes daily and to limit nonacademic “screen
time” to less than 2 hours a day. "Physical activity is an
integral part of weight management for prevention and treatment
of T2DM," write the authors. They suggest that when prescribing
physical exercise, clinicians should be sensitive to the needs
of children, adolescents, and their families. Noting that
routine, organized exercise may be beyond the family's
logistical and/or financial means, it is "most helpful to
recommend an individualized approach that can