Tips to Lower the Chance of Your Teenager Developing Diabetes

Tips to prevent Diabetes Type 2 in Teenagers
Over the last decade the number of teenagers developing type 2 diabetes increased from 9% to 23%. About 3600 teens in the USA develop diabetes type 2 every year. While family history plays an important role, having a large waist size has a major influence on teens developing diabetes Have your teen see the health care provider for regular checkups and evaluation for his individual risk. . Here are some tips to lower the chances of your teen developing diabetes.
1)Choose a diet high in plant food and low in saturated fat and salt. Limit “junk food” such as chips cookies, candy, cake, French fries, and animal products such as bacon, cream, and some cooking oils. Choose lean protein such as turkey, chicken without the skin. Rather than frying food, grill, bake or steam it. Choose whole grain bread or brown rice rather than the white counterparts.
2) Fill half of the child’s plate with vegetables and use the other half for lean protein, whole grain and low fat dairy.
3) Check the food labels on all products and control portion sizes. You may think a product is nutritious and healthy and may find out it is loaded high in carbohydrates. Don’t rely on the statements on the front of the product. Look at the actual nutrition label on the back.
4) Keep healthy snacks available such as non fat milk, nuts, some fresh fruit, low fat cheese.
5) Watch what your child drinks. Avoid sugary drinks such as soda, and fruit juice. Have more protein rather than carbohydrates for breakfast.
6) Encourage sports and other outdoor activities.
7) Be a good role model for your child. The better you eat and the more you exercise the more likely he is to do the same.
MEDICAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation, or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.