There are two types of diabetes that your child could get: type 1, formerly called "juvenile diabetes," which is by far the most common form in children, and type 2, which is the most common among adults; however, more and more children are being diagnosed with type 2. Type 1 often requires insulin treatment, whereas type 2 can usually be controlled, or even prevented, by diet.
Risk Factors for Type 1
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, where the body's immune system attacks the pancreas and destroys its ability to make insulin. It can't be prevented, and nobody can predict who will get it because it's not clear what causes it. There may be a genetic component, but usually a child has to get a virus or other infection before developing type 1 diabetes. According to KidsHealth, a division of the non-profit Nemours Foundation devoted to children's health, you also might be able to lower your child's risk of developing type 1 diabetes somewhat by breastfeeding your baby and not introducing solid foods too early.
Family History of Type 2
The American Diabetes Association consensus panel says that Type 2 diabetes in a parent, brother or sister can raise the risk of a child developing it too; in fact, according to the Minnesota Department of Health Chronic Disease Genomics Project, the more family members that have diabetes, the greater the risk for your child.
Age
According to The American Diabetes Association consensus panel, children over 10 years of age, or just starting puberty if it happens to be earlier than 10, are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than younger kids.
Weight
If your child's BMI, or body mass index, is higher than the 85th percentile for his age and gender---putting him in the category of being overweight or obese---he's at a higher risk for getting type 2 diabetes. If his weight is more than 120 percent of what's ideal for his height, then he's also at risk.
Ethnic Background
If your child is of African-American, American Indian, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Island origin, she's at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
If your child displays any signs of resistance to insulin, or has any conditions associated with it---such as high blood pressure, blood fat disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome or acanthosis nigricans---she's more likely to get type 2 diabetes.
Prevention of Type 2
Unlike type 1 diabetes, you can often prevent type 2 by lowering the risks that you can control: obesity, excessive weight gain, and a sedentary lifestyle. Make sure your children exercise at least an hour a day and eat wholesome, natural foods that are low in fat. Good dietary choices are vegetables, fruits, whole grain breads and cereals, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins. Don't keep high-fat or sugary drinks and foods around the house, where your child will be tempted to eat them.
