Once upon a time, type 2 diabetes was regarded as an adult disease, even earning the alias: ‘adult-onset diabetes ’
Nowadays, however, type 2 diabetes affects more young people than ever before.
The reasons for this are manifold; some of them are detailed below and in other areas of Diabetes.co.uk. Working out the risks of type 2 diabetes amongst children, and how to avoid them, could make all the difference to the health of your child.
Being overweight is the major risk factor, and can be a dangerous cause of a number of other diseases including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The following tips could help you keep your kids free from diabetes
Limit inertia
- Keeping kids occupied without leaving them to vegetate could save their lives. Limiting television watching, video games, and other sedentary activities could make a real difference. Look for creative, stimulating pastimes with as much physical exercise and outdoor play as possible. Parents can try a barter system of minutes outdoors for time on the sofa.
Team game
- Giving the whole family a chance to participate in team games can really encourage kids to get involved. Being even slightly overweight can make a huge difference to a child’s confidence. Individual sports may help to build confidence.
Household responsibility
- Although most children find chores repetitive and dull, some of the more active ones can be useful in avoiding diabetes and keeping children active. Getting kids up and moving around makes a real difference, and teaching them responsibility is an added bonus.
Avoid junk, eat well
- Most children love snacks, and teaching your children good eating habits makes all the difference between being healthy and not. Healthy snacks are not too expensive or hard to buy, and provides more for your growing children, helping them to avoid becoming diabetic.
Be inspirational
- Inspiring your children through your own actions is the key to giving them the most diabetes risk-free life possible. Do it together, as a team, and make good health last for a whole lifetime.
This Diabetes.co.uk list of tips to help your children avoid diabetes is by no means exhaustive. Develop your own strategies based on your individual needs and situation, and the advice of a healthcare professional.
