Many more cases of Type II Diabetes (non-insulin dependent, what used to be called “Adult Onset Diabetes) have been diagnosed in children (beginning at age 8) in the past few years compared to ten years ago. This is a very serious disease that will, if your child develops it and doesn’t cure it, reduce your child’s lifespan by 20 years or more and also create serious quality-of-life issues.

The good news is that Type II Diabetes is almost completely preventable. The major risk factors for developing Type II Diabetes are:

• Excess weight. Go to www.wellspringacademies.com/calc to determine if your child is overweight.
• Does anyone in your child’s family have diabetes? Family history is another risk factor. However, keep in mind that many people don’t know they have diabetes.
• Ethnicity is another risk factor. The following ethnic groups develop diabetes more frequently than other ethnicities: African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans.

Family history and ethnicity are uncontrollable risk factors. Weight status, on the other hand, can be changed via concerted efforts to modify eating and activity patterns. If your child has a controllable risk factor (i.e., excess weight), then you can take action to help him or her lead a better, healthier, and longer life.