Concerns about my kids

[Fizz]

My children to not have this disease, but now that my mother does it has me wondering about my kids. I try to make sure that they have proper diet and excercise, but I wonder if I should have them tested, just to be on the safe side.

[Type 1]

If your kids are active, thin, and eat right, I would not worry at this point.

Diabetes in kids is still usually Type 1 diabetes, which is the rarer non-preventable kind. It is a genetic immune system disorder in which the body destroys its own insulin making cells as a result of an environmental trigger like a virus. It has nothing to do with Type 2 diabetes (the common form linked to obesity). There is also a genetic form of diabetes called MODY, which happens in young thin people under 30, but is not Type 1 diabetes. Some need insulin, some do not.

That said, Type 2 diabetes cases are increasing in kids due to unhealthy lifestyles and childhood obesity. The good news is that almost all cases of Type 2 diabetes in kids can be prevented.

In your case, it doesn't seem like your family has a very strong genetic link. Your mother most likely developed Type 2 diabetes after being overweight (what caused the diabetes to express itself), and at an older age (less of a genetic link). From what I understand, she is the only person in the family with Type 2 diabetes.

You can't change your genes, but you CAN have control over your habits. Some families don't realize that their bad eating habits is what contributed to their diabetes cases, not just the family genes. Please note that I am not saying this is the case with your family, just trying to stress that Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, which is what we want.

In your case, you are already on top of things, and it sounds like you are doing great! Keep up the healthy lifestyle and your kids should be just fine!

If your kids are overweight, please take them to see a Registered Dietician to develop a meal plan that will help them lose weight and ensure they get the required nutrients for growth. You can ask your doctor to screen them, but unless they are high risk (overweight, strong family history, symptoms, etc.) your doctor may not feel it is necessary right now. Only your doctor can decide that.

I would screen them just to put your mind at ease, but unless they are overweight, inactive, etc. I highly doubt that there is anything to worry about. On the other hand, if they *are* overweight and not following a healthy lifestyle, then yes, you are right to be concerned. Even then, they have age on their side to make changes and prevent things from occurring and progressing.

Keep doing what you are doing though!

[Fizz]

Thank you, I have noted that you are very helpful and I appreciate the time you have taken to respond to all of my post.