of diabetes. Who is at risk? Overweight and obese children are at increased risk of Those with a family history of Type 2 Diabetes …
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What is Type 2 Diabetes?
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Diabetes in Children
Type 2 Diabetes is a lifelong disease that develops when the pancreas can not make enough insulin or when the bodys tissues can not use insulin properly Insulin is a hormone that helps the bodys cells use sugar for energy
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Provide foods that are low in fat but high in other nutrients Some good choices include: whole-grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, lean meats and other sources of protein Limit fast food and sugary drinks and sodas Eating too much fat and sugar can result in obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes Encourage activity Physical activity prevents diabetes and keeps your weight in a healthy range for your height Walk the dog or ride your bike everyday Also, limit television, computer and video game usage
What causes Type 2 Diabetes?
The risks for children getting Type 2 Diabetes are being overweight, not being physically active and family history of diabetes 
Who is at risk?
Overweight and obese children are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes during their lifespan The following guidelines will help to determine if a child is at increased risk: Children who have a
BMI above the 85th percentile for their age and sex or a weight above 120 of their ideal body weight Members of high-risk ethnic groups such as African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and some Asian or Pacific Islander Americans Those over 10 years of age Those with a family history of Type 2 Diabetes Children who have experienced early-onset puberty signs of puberty before age 7 or 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys
What are the symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?
Most children with type 2 diabetes do not have symptoms when the disease is first found Talk to your childs doctor if you have concerns or questions about Type 2 Diabetes
An initiative of the Ottawa County Health Department to ensure a healthy future wwwmiOttawaorg/Health
