How to Prevent a Child From Developing Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes in children is becoming more common. Diabetes, in child and adults, is preventable. Teaching a child good eating habits and healthy lifestyles is a part of prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight, a proper diet and exercise are all beneficial.

Instructions

• 1

  Encourage your child to exercise at least 30 minutes every day. Exercise will help maintain a healthy weight. It will maintain muscles mass and fat loss. It also helps children sleep better.

• 2

  Monitor the child's intake of sodas and snacks. These foods are loaded with sugar, salt and preservatives. On a daily basis, this establishes bad eating habits and adds empty calories, increasing the risk of diabetes.

• 3

  Serve your child healthy snacks. Offer them fresh fruit and raw vegetables for snacks. Unsweetened juice, milk and water are better than high sugar juices, sodas and energy drinks.

• 4

  Teach your child the importance of a healthy diet, especially with regards to diabetes prevention. Explain to them the risk of improper diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Even the smallest of children can understand this when explained to them on their level.

• 5

  Lead by example. Eating healthy and being active yourself will set a good example. Children mimic what adults do. If they see you eating healthy snacks of carrots and celery sticks instead of potato chips, they will want to do the same.