Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of Americans every year.

It is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and adolescents: about 151,000 people below the age of 20 years have diabetes.

[source: CDC.gov] Diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods we eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose enter the body’s cells for energy. With type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the more common type, the body does not make or use insulin well. In both types, glucose cannot get into the cells normally, causing a rise in blood sugar levels, which can make someone sick if not treated.

Type 1 diabetes can’t be prevented. No one knows for sure what causes type 1 or even who will get it or who won’t. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented. Excessive weight gain, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are all factors that put a person at risk for type 2. More and more children and teens are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which experts say is related to the rapidly increasing number of overweight kids. There are risk factors for type 2 that cannot be changed, including having one or more family members with type 2, and certain ethnic groups (Native American, African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian/Pacific Island descent).

Taking Steps to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

These simple strategies can help reduce your kids’ risk for developing type 2 diabetes and other associated health problems.

  • Make sure kids eat a healthy diet. Encouraging your kids to eat low-fat, nutrient rich food like whole grain cereals and breads, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and lean protein scan help prevent excessive weight gain, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
  • Limit sugary foods and beverages. Consuming lots of sugar-filled foods and beverages-like sodas, juices, and ice teas-also can lead to excessive weight gain.
  • Encourage increased physical activity. Staying active and decreasing the amount of time spent in sedentary activities-like watching TV or playing video or computer games-can also reduce the risk of weight gain and help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Being active can be as simple as walking the dog or mowing the lawn. Try to do something that gets you and your kids moving every day.

If you think your child may be overweight and, therefore, at increased risk of type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor or a registered dietician. They can help you determine what your child’s weight goals should be and how to reach them.

It’s important for growing kids to get enough calories and nutrients for normal growth and development, while preventing the excessive weight that can set the stage for type 2 diabetes and other health problems.