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11.02.2026
American Diabetes Month: Helping Young Children Build Healthy Habits for Life
Every November, we recognize American Diabetes Month, a time to learn about diabetes, understand the warning signs, and explore ways families can support healthy growth and development from the earliest years.
Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. When someone has diabetes, their body has trouble managing blood sugar (glucose), which can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. While diabetes is often thought of as a condition that affects adults, it can also occur in infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and older children.
The good news is that families can take steps to support healthy habits from the very beginning, and knowing the signs of diabetes can help children get care quickly when they need it.
Diabetes in Young Children
There are two main types of diabetes that can affect children:
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin helps move sugar from the bloodstream into the body's cells for energy. Without it, blood sugar builds up. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood and often develops in children and young people. It cannot currently be prevented.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes happens when the body cannot use insulin effectively. Although it is more common in adults, cases among children and teens have increased in recent years. Healthy eating, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers estimate that hundreds of thousands of children and adolescents in the United States are living with diabetes, and the number of young people diagnosed each year continues to rise. Studies have found that diagnoses of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes among youth have increased over time.
Signs and Symptoms Parents Should Know
One challenge with diabetes is that symptoms can develop quickly, especially with type 1 diabetes. Because young children often cannot explain how they are feeling, it is important for caregivers to recognize warning signs.
Talk with your child's healthcare provider if your child experiences:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination or more wet diapers than usual
- Bedwetting after being successfully toilet trained
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Irritability or mood changes
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Blurry vision (in children old enough to describe it)
These symptoms do not always mean a child has diabetes, but they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can help prevent serious complications and ensure a child receives treatment as soon as possible.
5 Steps to Building Healthy Habits from the Start
While type 1 diabetes cannot currently be prevented, healthy habits established during the early years can support overall well-being and help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Offer Balanced Meals
Young children grow best when they have access to a variety of nutritious foods. Try to include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Low-fat dairy products when age appropriate
- Water instead of sugary drinks
Children do not need perfect diets. Small, consistent choices over time can make a big difference.
- Encourage Active Play
Physical activity helps children's bodies use energy, strengthen muscles and bones, and support healthy growth.
For young children, activity can include:
- Playing outside
- Dancing to music
- Riding tricycles or bicycles
- Playing tag
- Visiting parks and playgrounds
- Family walks
The goal is to make movement fun and part of everyday life.
- Limit Sugary Drinks
Many beverages contain large amounts of added sugar. Choosing water and milk more often can help support children's health and reduce excess sugar intake.
- Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is an important part of a child's health. Children who regularly get enough sleep are better able to learn, grow, and regulate their bodies.
Creating a consistent bedtime routine can help children develop lifelong healthy sleep habits.
- Be a Role Model
Children learn by watching the adults around them. Family meals, active play, regular sleep schedules, and healthy food choices can help children develop positive habits that last well beyond the early years.
Supporting Children with Diabetes
If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, know that you are not alone. Many children with diabetes live healthy, active, and successful lives.
Treatment plans vary depending on the type of diabetes but may include:
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
- Taking insulin or other medications as prescribed
- Following a healthy eating plan
- Staying physically active
- Regular healthcare visits and screenings
Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming at first, especially for families of young children. However, healthcare teams, diabetes educators, schools, child care providers, and community organizations can help families learn the skills they need to keep children healthy and safe.
Resources for Nevada Families
Families looking for more information about diabetes can explore these trusted resources:
The CDC provides information about diabetes, symptoms, management, and healthy living.
NIDDK offers family-friendly information about diabetes in children and youth.
Families can find resources, support programs, and educational materials.
- Talk with Your Child's Healthcare Provider
Your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider is often the best source of information if you have concerns about symptoms, growth, nutrition, or diabetes risk.
A Healthy Start Matters
The first five years of life help shape a child's future health and well-being. By learning the signs of diabetes, supporting healthy habits at home, and seeking care when concerns arise, families can help children thrive.
This American Diabetes Month, take a moment to celebrate the small daily choices that support healthy development. Whether it's serving a colorful meal, taking a walk together, choosing water instead of a sugary drink, or scheduling a routine checkup, every healthy step counts toward a brighter future for Nevada's children.
