Type 2 diabetes in kids is on the rise, but families can take action together to reduce risk through healthy eating, active living, and understanding key warning signs.
Key Points
- Type 2 diabetes doesn’t just affect adults; kids and teens are at risk too.
- More kids in the United States are now being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
- Taking steps to prevent diabetes can help kids avoid or delay developing type 2 diabetes.
Risk Factors
Weight
Type 2 diabetes among kids is a growing concern. Around one in three young people in America are considered overweight. While being overweight doesn’t always mean someone isn’t healthy, it raises the chances of developing health problems. A big concern is insulin resistance where the body’s hormone insulin — which controls blood glucose levels — doesn’t work as it should. This becomes a key reason why both kids and adults might end up with type 2 diabetes.
Health issues linked to being overweight, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, can raise the risk of insulin resistance and prediabetes.
Kids and teens are still growing. When children are overweight, the goal should be to control weight gain while allowing normal growth to happen. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian for specific advice on diet and diabetes screening.
Activity
Sedentary behavior increases the chances of type 2 diabetes. Staying active improves insulin sensitivity and helps maintain a healthy weight. Many kids and teens today do not get enough daily physical activity.
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Age
Type 2 diabetes in kids is often discovered during their early teens. Puberty hormonal shifts can make it harder for the body to use insulin. During this time, girls are more likely than boys to get type 2 diabetes.
Other things that increase the risk of type 2 diabetes
- A family history of type 2 diabetes.
- Being born to a mom who had gestational diabetes.
- Being part of Hispanic/Latino, Black, Native American/Alaska Native, Asian American, or Pacific Islander groups.
- Having issues like being overweight, having obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
If your child shows two or more of these risk signs, talk to your doctor about testing their blood glucose levels. Testing starts at age 10 or when puberty begins, whichever happens first. Doctors recommend repeating these tests every three years.
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Make it a family effort
Help prevent type 2 diabetes in kids by building healthy habits as a family. When everyone joins in, it’s easier to stick with positive changes. Starting healthy lifestyle routines can lead to good habits that last. Try these ideas to get going:
Change how you eat
- Pick water instead of sugary drinks.
- Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Swap out your usual foods with healthier choices like whole grains, lean protein, and extra veggies.
- Get kids involved in making healthy meals.
- Have meals together at the dining table instead of eating in front of screens.
- Teach kids how to read and understand food labels and nutrition information.
- Make family mealtimes a priority whenever you can.
- Avoid forcing kids to clear their plates during meals.
- Offer positive encouragement rather than using food as a reward.
- Be mindful of portion sizes and limit processed foods with added sugar.
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Getting active
- Motivate your child to get 60 minutes of physical activity every day, even if it’s broken up into smaller chunks.
- Keep exercise fun by mixing up activities often, including aerobic activities.
- Let kids pick the activities they like best since everyone has different interests.
- Try to reduce screen time as much as possible to avoid sedentary behavior.
- Plan active family outings like hiking, walking, or bike rides.
- Turn chores around the house into enjoyable games with fun rewards.
- Encourage vigorous physical activity to improve overall fitness and blood sugar control.
By focusing on healthy eating and regular physical activity, families can work together to prevent diabetes and promote a healthy lifestyle for kids and teens. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in managing blood glucose levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Source:
U.S. Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (May 15, 2024). Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Kids. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/prevention-type-2/type-2-diabetes-in-kids.html
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