Although adults have a higher risk of getting Type 2 diabetes, the condition is affecting more young people today. According to the American Diabetes Association, if the current rates of obesity continue to persist, it is estimated that one-third of all American children born each year since 2000 will develop Type 2 diabetes. The leading risk factor for kids is being overweight, often connected with an unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is often preventable with lifestyle changes. To lower one’s risk to develop Type 2 diabetes, one can:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise for 30 minutes, 5 days a week
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Talk to a primary care provider about being screened for prediabetes