Overweight Latino children who eat lots of sugar and drink sugary drinks may show signs of poor beta cell function, which is associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, according to the results of a new study.

Another article has come out detailing the negative effects of a diet high in sugar for Latino kids.

It is a well known fact that being overweight puts one at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, Latino children have been shown to have a higher risk of developing diabetes even among overweight children. Latino kids also tend to be overweight more so than other kids. In a society that pushes junk food at every turn, this is a very disturbing finding.

It is good to see though that schools are taking an active role in limiting student sugar intake. Many schools have already done away with peddling soda to kids because of the strong link between soda consumption and obesity. The Los Angeles Unified School District, for example, has done away with soda vending machines and has opted instead to sell fruit based drinks, water and milk.

The question now is whether parents can follow the lead of schools and limit the sugar intake of their children.

Via / Reuters