3 Questions to Know If your Child Will Develop Diabetes
Being overweight is the most important risk factor to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. It is estimated that 80% of children with type 2 diabetes are overweight. Twenty years ago type 2 diabetes in children was unknown, we only saw diabetes in adults. Now unfortunately, the incidence of diabetes in children is almost 4000 cases a day. The increase in new cases of diabetes parallels the obesity epidemic in children. Hispanic children are more prone to both obesity and diabetes, including the HIGHEST rate of overweight in children under 5 years of age.
Did you know that "chubby" children have a much higher risk of developing other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma, among others? Childhood obesity remains one of the most serious health problems of our generation.
A new study found that Latino children have a 50% chance of developing diabetes. Remember that type 2 diabetes is preventable and even more so in children, the key is to improve eating habits and lifestyle. The key is in education!
The Inter-American Development Bank gives us 3 questions to know if your child will develop adult diabetes.
Will my Child Develop Diabetes?
- Is your child overweight? - Excess weight is the most important risk factor for the development of diabetes. To calculate the body mass index you can review this link that will give you more information on the appropriate growth curves for children. If you have questions or are concerned about your child's weight, do not hesitate to ask your pediatrician! It is important to monitor weight at each visit to ensure they are not at risk.
- Does your child eat junk food or fizzy drinks frequently? – 1 can of soda a day increases the risk of developing diabetes by up to 22%. It is estimated that 75% of Latino children consume We also know that there is a direct association between the consumption of soft drinks and obesity or other chronic diseases. Limit juices, sports drinks, and sodas. Choose to offer more water or drinks without calories and sugar.
- Does your child spend more than 2 hours a day watching TV or playing video games?- being sedentary increases the risk of developing diabetes or other chronic diseases.
If you answered "YES" to all 3 questions be sure to speak to your pediatrician and visit your registered child's nutritionist.
¿What can you do?
- Talk to your doctor about your child's weight and, if necessary, consult a nutritionist specializing in children.
- Limit sodas and other sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, juices, sports drinks, etc.
- Do NOT have a television in your children's room. Limit the time they are on the computer or video games to 2 hours a day. Children need at least 1 hour of physical activity per day. This can include going to the park, going on a bike ride, or just walking as a family.
- Eat as a family. Families that eat together are less likely to become overweight.
- Make sure to include 1 vegetable at lunch or dinner.
- Limit junk food or candy in the house. If you buy trinkets, don't expect me not to eat them!
- Take action! Remember that type 2 diabetes can be prevented! Just make sure to follow your doctor's and nutritionist's recommendations and start making positive changes in your family's habits.
Let's choose to raise healthy children!
Healthy children = healthy adults!
