What is causing kids to get type 2 diabetes?

Weight Matters People who are overweight—especially if they have excess belly fat—are more likely to have insulin resistance, kids included. Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into cells for use as energy.

What are 3 causes of type 2 diabetes?

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

  • High blood pressure.
  • High blood triglyceride (fat) levels.
  • Low “good” cholesterol level.
  • Gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.
  • Prediabetes.
  • Heart disease.
  • High-fat and carbohydrate diet.
  • High alcohol intake.

Can a child get type 2 diabetes from eating too much sugar?

Any child who doesn’t get enough activity and eats too many unhealthy foods, sugary or not, may be at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, especially if they gain weight. However, some children who have a healthy weight may also be at risk for type 2 diabetes due to their genetics.

How can you prevent type 2 diabetes in children?

Use these tips to help children prevent diabetes

  1. Get more active. Go for walks, play ball or go to the park.
  2. Manage weight. If your child is overweight, losing weight may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  3. Cut back on sugar.
  4. Offer healthy snacks.
  5. Limit screen time.
  6. Eat dinner as a family.
  7. See a dietitian.

What foods cause type 2 diabetes?

sugar-sweetened beverages (juice, soda, sweet tea, sports drinks) sweeteners (table sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, molasses) processed foods (chips, microwave popcorn, processed meat, convenience meals) trans fats (vegetable shortening, fried foods, dairy-free coffee creamers, partially hydrogenated oil)

How do you know if your child has type 2 diabetes?

Diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes in children requires testing by a pediatrician. If your child’s doctor suspects type 2 diabetes, they’ll likely perform a urine glucose test, a fasting blood glucose test, a glucose tolerance test, or an A1C test.

Is type 2 diabetes caused by poor diet?

An Unhealthy Diet And Lack Of Exercise Can Lead To Type 2 Diabetes – But So Can Your Genes. One’s genes are just as real a risk factor for type 2 diabetes as one’s dietary habits and level of physical activity. This is why you can develop type 2 diabetes even if you lead a healthy lifestyle.