Diabetes is a growing concern for parents in the U.S., as there has been a dramatic increase in children who are diagnosed with prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.

Over the past 20 years, the number of children and teens diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes has doubled from 9 to 18 cases per 100,000 individuals per year.

With rising rates of pediatric diabetes, it is important for parents to understand when to start looking for signs. These proactive measures can be the key to prevention, especially for at-risk kids.

Who’s at Risk? Recognizing Early Signs

According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 adolescents has prediabetes.

These are some signs to look out for.

Physical Signs

  • Excessive urination
  • Extreme thirst
  • Increased hunger
  • Fatigue
  • Irritation
  • Blurry vision
  • Abnormal weight loss

Behavioral Signs

  • Irritability
  • Mood changes
  • Increased restlessness/drowsiness
  • Decline in school performance.

Why Pediatric A1C Testing Matters

Proactively testing your child with tools like A1C tests helps with detecting diabetes or prediabetes early. Diabetes in children can lead to health problems later in life, such as microvascular issues like kidney disease, eye disease, and poor limb circulation, as well as macrovascular issues like heart disease and stroke.

A1C tests are a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes in both children and adults. For children with diabetes, A1C testing helps track how well their diabetes is being managed and can reveal if their medication needs to be adjusted.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) also tracks blood sugar levels, but it tracks blood sugar in real time, while A1C tests represent a person’s average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months and are helpful for screening and diagnosing diabetes or prediabetes.

Early detection goes a long way when it comes to getting your child the care they need to prevent these issues from developing.

The Role of Family History and Genetics

Knowing your family’s history with diabetes and prediabetes can inform you of your child’s risk for diabetes. People are at increased risk if they have a parent or sibling with diabetes or prediabetes.

Additionally, certain ethnic groups, including African Americans, Hispanic or Latino, and Alaska Natives, are at higher risk. Some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans can also be at increased risk.

When Should A1C Testing Begin?

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends A1C testing for children at the age of puberty or earlier if risk factors are present, such as being overweight or obese.

It is also recommended to test every three years  or more frequently if BMI increases. Some children may need earlier screening, so discussing testing with your child’s pediatrician if they are at risk is a good first step.

Prevention Starts Early

In addition to A1C testing, there are several other proactive approaches parents can take to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes.

Diet, activity, and sleep are important factors that impact blood sugar levels. Preventing Type 2 diabetes can start with forming healthier habits as a family.

Implementing changes, including cooking at home, drinking more water and fewer sugary drinks, and engaging in physical activities, can teach children to develop healthy habits that reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (CDC).

Final Takeaways for Keeping Your Kids Diabetes-Free

Knowing if your child is at risk for developing diabetes or prediabetes and early detection can drastically improve your child’s long-term health.

Early action, including A1C testing and the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, can significantly impact your child’s long-term health and potentially prevent the serious complications associated with diabetes.

Proactive conversations between parents and pediatricians are vital to ensure timely screening and promote better lifelong outcomes for at-risk children.

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