Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent type 2 diabetes in children. If your child already has type 2 diabetes, lifestyle changes can reduce the need for medications and the risk of complications. Encourage your child to:

• Eat healthy foods. Offer your child foods low in fat and calories. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Strive for variety to prevent boredom.
• Get more physical activity. Encourage your child to become active. Sign your child up for a sports team or dance lessons, or look for active things to do together.

Better yet, make it a family affair. The same lifestyle choices that can help prevent type 2 diabetes in children can do the same for adults. The best diet for a child with diabetes is also the best diet for the whole family.