Parents play a crucial role in their child’s health and well-being.

With the growing concern of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents, it is essential to identify the risk factors early on so that children can lead a healthy and active life.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose).

Your body either resists the effects of insulin — a hormone that regulates the movement of sugar into your cells — or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level. Insulin resistance is known to be a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

What are the risk factors?

There are several risk factors that contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. Some of them include:.

Family history
Obesity or being overweight
Sedentary lifestyle
High blood pressure
High cholesterol levels
Polycystic ovary syndrome

How can parents identify if their child is at risk?

The following steps can help parents identify if their child is at risk for type 2 diabetes:.

1. Family history:

A family history of diabetes could be an early indicator of an increased risk for your child. If one or both parents have type 2 diabetes, then the child is at a higher risk of developing the condition.

2. BMI:

Children with a higher body mass index (BMI) are at a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A BMI of 85th to 94th percentile indicates being overweight, and a BMI above the 95th percentile indicates obesity.

3. Sedentary lifestyle:

Children who have a sedentary lifestyle with little physical activity are at risk of obesity, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

4. Unhealthy diet:

A diet high in sugar, processed foods, and fats can lead to obesity and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

5. Unexplained symptoms:

Unexplained symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurry vision could be early indicators of type 2 diabetes.

If the parent notices any of these symptoms in their child, they should consult with a healthcare professional immediately.

Preventive measures:

It’s never too late to start making healthy lifestyle changes for your child. The following preventive measures can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes:.

1. Healthy diet:

A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can ensure that your child gets the essential nutrients that their body needs to function correctly.

It can also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

2. Daily Physical activity:

Encouraging children to be active and participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

3. Regular check-ups:

Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can help monitor your child’s overall health and detect the early onset of type 2 diabetes or any other health conditions.

Conclusion:

Parents have a significant role in keeping their child healthy. Identifying the risk factors of type 2 diabetes early on can help take preventive measures to ensure a healthy and active life for your child.

A healthy diet, daily physical activity, and regular check-ups are crucial preventive measures that parents can take to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.