Diabetes is a group of diseases marked by high levels of blood glucose resulting from defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death, but people with diabetes can take steps to control the disease and lower the risk of complications.

Diabetes Overview      Kids Corner


The #1 Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes is Obesity.
One Out of 3 Kids Born in 2000 Will Be at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes.

Which kids are at risk?

  • Overweight, inactive children
  • Children with family members who have Type 2 Diabetes
  • Children diagnosed with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Children with higher portions of large calorie foods
  • Children in all ethnic groups
  • About 14 million American children ages 2 to 7 who are already obese


What are some signs and symptoms? Often there are no symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, but some children may have one or more of the following signs.

  • Dark patches of skin on the back of neck or underarms. This is most common in children with dark skin
  • Eating or drinking much more than usual
  • Weight loss even though they are eating more than usual
  • Frequent urination
  • Overtired and fatigued


Diabetes is serious. If you suspect your child is at risk, talk to your pediatrician. One or two blood tests for extra blood sugar can tell if your child has diabetes. Acquiring Type 2 Diabetes at a young age allows more time for diabetes related problems to develop, including heightened risk for heart disease.


Learn How to Prevent and Control Type 2 Diabetes in Your Family.
Move More, Eat Less! It Makes Perfect Sense.

Be Involved!

  • Plan meals with your children and encourage them to select fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Introduce kids to cooking. Children may be more willing to eat the dishes they help prepare.
  • Teach your kids to eat healthy amounts by letting them serve themselves. Help them start with small servings and to decide when they've had enough (even if there is still food on the plate).
  • Include all family members in making healthy choices.
  • Eat meals as a family as often as possible.
  • Set limits on the amount of "screen" time your family is watching TV, playing computer games and surfing the internet.

Set a Good Example! As a parent, grandparent or caregiver in an already busy, complicated and hectic world, we know how hard it is raising a healthy family. Just remember that the good examples you set today will become habits your child will appreciate and put into practice as a healthier adult in years to come.

  • Show your child that you enjoy a variety of foods, especially whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, beans and lean meat.
  • Join your kids for breakfast. Skipping breakfast can leave your children hungry, tired and looking for less healthy foods later in the day.
  • Say no to super sized portions when eating out.
  • Avoid eating in front of the television.
Helpful Hints to Set Good Examples
Your job, as a parent, is to decide what food goes on the table. Your child's job is to decide what, whether and how much to eat.
Try to limit "empty calorie" snacks, like cookies and cake. Anticipate and plan for occasional sugary sweets while focusing on making sure your family members eat a balanced diet to receive the nutrients they need.
Drink skim milk instead of soda or other high calorie drinks. Learn to read those labels on many of the newer flavored waters and beverages.
Offer your child water or low-fat milk more often than fruit juice. Fruit juice is a healthy choice but is high in calories.
Try These Snacks You Can Make Together!
Fruit Smoothies: blend frozen or fresh fruit with low-fat yogurt
Cracker Delight: spread low-fat soft cheese or fruit spread on graham crackers or rice cakes
Trail Mix: combine animal cookies with pretzels, raisins and unsalted nuts
Crunchy Bananas: dip pieces of bananas into orange juice and roll in wheat germ or other crushed dry cereal
Fruit Kabob: string pieces of different colored fruits on to narrow plastic straws or coffee stirrers

Offer Healthy Snacks. It's easy to brighten up snacks with fruits and veggies, here's how:

  • Choose dried fruits like apricots or raisins instead of candy.
  • Offer half a banana instead of chips.
  • Replace a can of soda with 100% fruit or vegetable juice or water.
  • Try dipping raw vegetables with low-fat dressing, peanut butter or salsa.
  • Serve a whole grain cereal with low-fat milk and fresh fruit.


Stay Positive! Healthy eating and physical activity won't become habits overnight.
Make a family commitment to a healthier lifestyle one step at a time.

Be Active. Experts recommend that most children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

  • Look for activities you can do together. Take a walk with your child - it's prime time for talking and catching up on the events of the day.
  • Physical activity should be increased by reducing sedentary time watching television, playing computer games and talking on the phone.
  • If your child can not fit in 60 minutes at one time because of a busy kid schedule, provide 10 to 15 minute intervals throughout the day in which they can engage in vigorous activities.


Try these helpful web sites:
www.kidnetic.com - Provides healthy tips for kids and parents.
www.kidshealth.org - Provides information about nutrition and fitness for kids.
www.verbnow.com - Encourages kids to get physically active.
www.dole5day.com - An interactive site for parents, kids and teachers.
www.cartoonmd.com - Provides great cartoons for kids and parents to understand diabetes.

Be informed and stay up to date on information about food, nutrition and physical activity.



Adapted from Open the Door to Healthier Kids and Families" Diabetes Resource Coalition of Long Island
and Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County.