Managing your child’s lifestyle to avoid diabetes later in life | 2 min read

Type 2 diabetes, once considered a condition affecting adults, is increasingly affecting children due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. In South Africa, nearly 12.8% of adults are diagnosed with diabetes, a statistic that calls for early prevention. Managing your child’s lifestyle today can significantly reduce their risk of developing diabetes later in life.

In South Africa, reliable national data on the percentage of children explicitly diagnosed with diabetes is limited. However, estimates suggest that type 1 diabetes is relatively rare among children, while type 2 diabetes is increasing due to rising rates of childhood obesity. Globally, type 1 diabetes affects approximately 0.1-0.2% of children under the age of 15. In South Africa, rising childhood obesity rates contribute to more cases of type 2 diabetes, especially in urban areas.

It’s crucial to monitor children for diabetes risk factors and promote healthy lifestyle changes early on to prevent these trends from worsening.

Balanced diet

A healthy, balanced diet is one of the most important ways to prevent diabetes. Ensure your child’s meals include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes, and in South Africa, about one in five children is already affected by being overweight. Healthy food choices early on can reduce this risk.

Physical activity by age group

Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and improving insulin sensitivity. The World Health Organization recommends the following:

• Ages 1-4 years: At least 180 minutes of daily physical activity, including active play.
• Ages 5-17 years: At least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. It can include sports, running, cycling, or swimming.

Regular physical activity helps reduce the risk of childhood obesity, a primary contributor to type 2 diabetes.

Screen time by age group

Excessive screen time promotes a sedentary lifestyle linked to weight gain and poor health outcomes. According to guidelines, the recommended screen time is:

• Ages 0-2 years: No screen time.
• Ages 2-5 years: Less than one hour per day.
• Ages 6 years and older: Limit screen time to two hours daily.

Encourage active alternatives like playing outdoors, riding bikes, or family outings to promote an active lifestyle and limit screen-related inactivity.

Family influence

Setting a good example as a parent is essential. Involve the entire family in healthier eating habits and physical activities. Preparing nutritious meals and engaging in family exercise routines can encourage children to adopt these healthy behaviours for life.

Taking action early is crucial to ensuring your child’s long-term health. Schedule a well-child visit with an Intercare GP to assess your child’s health and development. These routine check-ups help ensure your child is on track and receiving the care needed to prevent future health issues, including diabetes.