A few years ago, Type 2 diabetes was known as “adult onset diabetes” because it was almost unheard of in children. Today, up to half of new diabetes cases in children are Type 2 -- and it’s largely preventable.
Type 1 diabetes usually appears in childhood and is inherited.
The main causes of Type 2 diabetes are:
- Being overweight
- Not exercising or being physically active
- Having a family history of the disease
African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans are more prone to Type 2 diabetes, but even so, proper diet and exercise are within everyone’s reach.
- Keep an eye on your child’s weight. Talk to your child’s doctor about body mass index (BMI) and keep it within the recommended range.
- Limit snacks high in sugar, salt and fat. Just one extra soda or a small bag of chips every day can put 1 pound a month on a child who doesn’t get enough exercise.
- Speaking of healthy snack options. Grapes, apples, bananas, carrot and celery sticks and nuts are a few of the good snacks that don’t have to be expensive. See the end of this post for my trail mix recipe.
- Eat in more; eat out less. Take-out and fast food may solve the immediate problem of what’s for dinner, but convenience foods can contribute to weight problems for the whole family.
- Get everyone moving. Everyone in your family should break a sweat every day (assuming no one has a health issue that prevents this, of course). Options include team sports, back-yard play and after-school activities at the local park.
Jessica’s Homemade Trail Mix
Dry roasted, unsalted almonds and peanuts
Pine nuts (roasted at home)
Raisins (brown and/or golden)
Dried cranberries, mango and papaya pieces, apple chunks, banana slices (without added sugar)
Nestle’s semi-sweet chocolate morsels
Ingredients vary according to what’s on sale, available and fresh in my grocery store (and what was popular in the last batch). Golden raisins increase the sweet factor so I don’t have to add too many chocolate chips.
Mix in a large bowl. I aim for one to two chocolate pieces per handful of trail mix, which is about ¼ to ½ cup. Will keep for up to six weeks in airtight containers.
Tell us: What are your family's favorite healthy snacks?
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