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		Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Children Prepared by Lynn Maarouf, M.S., R.D., L.D. - Stark Diabetes Center Edited: 08/06/2006 Preventing Type 2 Diabetes in Children can be much easier than it at first sounds.  Most people know when they have a family history of diabetes in parents, grandparents, or brothers and sisters.  Some simple ways to help prevent type 2 diabetes from developing in these kids is:    1)       Help them stay as close as possible to a good weight for their height.  Look at tables and charts if you are not sure what the best weight is for your child.    2)      Though the tendency to gain weight is inherited, obesity does not have to be.  Families often gain weight together because of diet and exercise habits that kids learn at home.   3)       Be a role model.  Turn the TV off and take your kids to the park, beach or the mall to burn off a few extra calories. Be a role model with foods, too.  Eat more fresh fruit and things like granola bars or lite yogurts for snacks. Kids want to be just like their parents!   4)       Changing diet to help prevent weight gain can involve: Drinking water instead of sodas or juices. One soda a day can cause a weight gain of 10# per year.   Change to 2% milk for overweight kids over the age of four.  2% milk will supply protein and calcium with less fat.  If you must use flavored milks – look for milks that are artificially-sweetened.   ·Make sure your kid gets enough fiber in their diet.  Look for cereals which contain at least 6 grams of fiber per serving.  Buy breads which state: Whole Grain on the label.   Many snacks like potato or corn chips are very high in fat and sodium, which can be a bad choice for kids in families where high blood pressure is common. High fat foods have LOTS of calories.    Instead use:  Fresh Fruit, Granola Bars and regular or lite yogurts for snacks. These foods are low in fat but high in fiber, calcium, and potassium, all of which are needed for good growth! More information about Diabetes (from MedlinePlus).
updated 3/19/07