Schools Can Lower Diabetes Risk

Filed in archive Information on September 29, 2006

You can never have too much knowledge, especially about something like diabetes. One study's founders believe that schools can play a huge part in raising awareness.

The researchers' payoff won't come for nearly three years. But if the study at dozens of middle schools concludes schools can help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes in children by offering healthy choices in the cafeteria and revamping gym class, it'll be worth the wait.

"We want to know if there's some structural way to prevent diabetes rather than to just tell kids, 'Eat the right thing,' " said Gary Foster, the study's chairman and director of the Center for Obesity Research and Education at the Temple University School of Medicine.

The so-called HEALTHY study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, will follow sixth-graders over 2 1/2 years with results expected in 2009. Students in north carolina, Texas, California, Pennsylvania and Oregon will participate.

One group of students will be exposed to the kinds of food and gym classes available in most U.S. middle schools. A second group will get healthier cafeteria food, more rigorous gym classes and advice on healthy behaviors.

This is an interesting approach. Which school would you rather have your child go to?