How to manage your money while living with diabetes, from tailored advice to long-term protection.
Type 2 diabetes in children: How to reduce the risks
December 18, 2024
By The Sun Life team
Type 2 diabetes is now affecting more children. But it’s possible to prevent this disease. Here’s what you need to know.
Reviewed by Dr. Josep Iglesies-Grau
Type 2 diabetes is now affecting more children. This is mainly due to the increase in obesity among young people.
Is your child or teenager at risk? Here’s how you can find out – and what you need to know to help protect your child’s health.
Read more: Your Diabetes Support Hub at Sun Life
What is type 2 diabetes, and can it be prevented?
Diabetes is a disease that can have long-term consequences for children.
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance. Insulin is an essential hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells to provide energy. Insulin resistance leads to an accumulation of sugar in the blood, which can cause serious complications.
Diabetes can often be prevented through a healthy lifestyle. Your child learns lifestyle habits at home – so you can prioritize your child’s health by providing a healthy environment.
Are children at risk for type 2 diabetes?
The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that there are over 25,000 children and youth living with diabetes in Canada. Each year, more than 3,000 young people aged 19 and under are diagnosed with diabetes.
What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children?
According to Health Canada, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with the following:
- Consuming many processed or high-fat foods and sugary snacks and beverages, such as soft drinks.
- Doing too little physical activity. Health Canada recommends that young people engage in at least 60 minutes of activity each day.
- Sitting for eight hours a day or more can lead to health and weight problems.
- Having at least one parent with type 2 diabetes.
- Suffering from certain diseases such as papillary and pigmentary dystrophy (a skin disease characterized by rough, hyperpigmented patches) or polycystic ovarian syndrome (which can lead to excessive weight gain).
How to prevent prediabetes in children
Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are both preventable in children.
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Prediabetes often occurs when a child is overweight. This is a sign that it may be time to take action to correct certain bad habits.
Prediabetes can be prevented, or even reversed, by altering certain lifestyle habits.
To help prevent prediabetes in your child, you can support them in:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Slight, sustained weight loss is enough to reduce the risk of prediabetes and diabetes.
- Staying fit: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and promotes the body’s efficient use of sugar.
- Adjusting their diet: Managing your child’s calorie intake can prevent excessive weight gain.
- Getting plenty of sleep: A good night’s sleep can reduce the risk of prediabetes.
This article is meant to provide general information only. It’s not professional medical advice, or a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
