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Could your child develop Diabetes as an adult?

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A new study reveals young children can show signs of being prone to adult diabetes - years, even decades before it’s likely to be diagnosed.

The earliest indicators of diabetes? For the study published in Diabetes Care (2020), researchers collected and analyzed blood samples from participants at ages 8, 16, 18 and 25. They found one clear warning sign for adult diabetes: abnormal cholesterol levels.

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In susceptible children, low levels of high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol, appeared as early as 8 years old. As the study participants grew older, low HDL levels continued to be a strong risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Other warning signs: increased inflammation and a high body mass index.

To get a head start on health, some pediatricians recommend that kids receive their first cholesterol test between 9 and 11 years old, then every 5 years after that. If your child’s good cholesterol is low, ask the pediatrician for advice on how to increase it.

Cutting back on full-fat dairy products, processed foods and baked goods that can contain higher amounts of saturated and trans fats can help. Also eating foods with higher fiber content such as apples, black beans, sweet potatoes, whole wheat grain options when it comes to bread or oatmeal too.

Children should exercise daily, getting at least 60 minutes of activity daily, which is easy to do when the weather is nice! Riding bikes, nature hikes, dog walking, neighborhood tours or swimming are all great ways to accomplish this while having fun too.

Diabetes will not develop overnight, but instilling healthy habits at a young age and knowing the early signs can intervene.

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