Type 2 diabetes: Lower your child's risk

Type 2 diabetes in children used to be almost unheard of. But as more kids become overweight, more young people are developing type 2 diabetes. Here's how to prevent both conditions, especially if diabetes runs in your family.

Make healthy eating a priority.

A diet that's good for people with diabetes is also good for people without the condition. Here are ways to make healthy eating a priority for the whole family:

• Cook healthy meals (lean meats and fish, at least five fruits and vegetables per day, whole grains).
• Have healthy snacks on hand. Explain why potato chips, soda and candy shouldn’t be part of an everyday eating plan.
• Show your children the food pyramid and encourage them to make good food choices when they're not at home.
• Together read food labels to make sure you're making healthy food choices and keeping your portion sizes in control.

Encourage physical activity.

Keeping kids active is just as important as making sure they eat well.

• Schedule in time for activities like sports, dance or clubs (but not so much that they, or you, feel overwhelmed).
• Think of ways you can enjoy physical activity together. Children often enjoy things like going on walks in the woods or to the park. If everyone in the family has a bicycle, go for rides together.

Limit TV time.

Studies have shown that children who watch less television gain less weight. Help your children keep their weight at an appropriate level by limiting the time they spend watching TV, playing video games or sitting at the computer.

Your kids may complain about restrictions like a half-hour each weeknight and an hour on the weekend days. But it's okay to be strict about it. You're doing them a favor in the long run.

Related Links

Nutrition: For children & teens

Fitness: Getting started

Diabetes Condition Center

First published: 07/04/2000
Last updated: 01/04/2005

Reviewed by: Paul Kleeberg, MD, medical director, Internet/Intranet Services, Allina Hospitals & Clinics