As the back-to-school season is upon us, my thoughts turn to our youngsters and the issue of diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes used to appear only in adults, later in life. Times have changed and now it is being seen earlier in teens and younger children. Type 2 diabetes is a disease in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body does not properly use the insulin it makes (as opposed to Type 1 where, for various unknown reasons, the pancreas is not producing insulin at all).
Obesity is the greatest factor for developing Type 2 diabetes.  About 95 per cent of children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight. Obesity rates have been rising in children, so there is no doubt that diabetes will follow suit.

Other risk factors for diabetes include being a member of a high-risk population, having a family history of diabetes, having high levels of fat in the blood and/or high blood pressure.
So what do we do?
Basically, keep our children active and eating healthy. It’s all about lifestyle. We, as adults and parents, need to set the example. If kids are brought up living healthy, active lifestyles, then it will become a natural for them.
Here are some simple changes that we can make in our daily lives as a family:
Switch from regular pop to sugar-free pop or water.
Switch to lower-fat dairy products such as 1 per cent or skim milk.
Offer children healthy snack choices such as fresh fruits and cut-up veggies.
Model healthy-eating and activity habits.
Leave the car at home, walking or biking whenever possible.
Reduce television and computer time and replace them with active play time such as going for a family walk after dinner.
Follow Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide and Canada’s Physical Activity Guides for Children and Youth.
Here are some ways that parents can help children make healthy choices:
Encourage children to eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full.
Plan regular family meals, starting with breakfast: healthy eating habits begin at home.
Involve children in meal preparation and cooking: they usually like to eat what they make.
Focus on small, gradual changes in eating to create healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Encourage healthy, balanced eating for children and avoiding diets.
Allow children to enjoy a favourite high-fat/sugar food, occasionally, in limited portions.
Avoid using food as a reward.
Keep the TV off during meals and avoid snacks in front of the screen.
Talk to a registered dietitian.
An added bonus for encouraging children to eat healthy is better performance in school.  Studies show that children who are well-nourished have better concentration, get better grades, show improved behaviour and have improved attendance and punctuality at school.
Parents should also get involved in their children’s school environment by advocating for school policies that encourage less junk food and more physical activity. With parents’ support, schools can play an important role in promoting healthy eating and active living.
Prevention of Type 2 diabetes starts with our kids. With better lifestyle habits of healthy eating and physical activity, instilled into our children, we can ensure a more-productive and healthier generation of adults to come.

Patricia St. James is the manager of the Yukon Diabetes Education Centre. Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .