Imagine this: You’re at a routine check-up with your 10-year-old son, thinking everything’s fine. Your son is active and happy but has struggled with his weight since the pandemic.
Then, the doctor delivers unexpected news: Your son has prediabetes.
Dr. Ladan Davallow, a Richmond-based pediatric endocrinologist, sees this story several times a week. She launched EndoMD Health (www.endomdhealth.com), a virtual practice for Virginia families, to combine medical weight management with lifestyle and emotional support, aiming to build lasting healthy habits in kids.
“The CDC reports that 1 in 5 adolescents and 1 in 4 young adults are now living with prediabetes,” says Dr. Davallow. “As a specialist, it’s heartbreaking to see, especially since it’s not the fault of these families—and, with the right support, it’s completely preventable.”
There’s a lot of misunderstanding and confusion regarding the main 2 types of diabetes in kids, but here’s what parents need to know:
Understanding Diabetes Types in Kids
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 is linked to genetics and unknown triggers, which requires lifelong insulin therapy. Most kids with diabetes have type 1.
Type 2 Diabetes, once rare in kids, is now more common due to lifestyle factors like poor diet and lower activity level, along with a strong family history. Prediabetes is a warning sign that the body is struggling to regulate blood sugar, and without intervention, up to 70% of kids with prediabetes may develop Type 2 diabetes.
“The good news,” Dr. Davallow says, “is that prediabetes is reversible with the right habits. We focus on actionable steps to prevent complications now and in the future.”
What Parents Can Do to Prevent Diabetes in Kids
1. Don’t Skip Check-Ups: Annual blood tests can reveal risk levels early, so stay on top of routine exams and ask your pediatrician if you have concerns.
2. Enjoy Balanced Meals: Swap juice and soda for zero sugar options and focus on adding whole foods like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to your child’s diet.
3. Encourage Daily Activity: Aim for at least an hour of movement a day. Ask your child what they like to do and join them in the fun!
4. Limit Screen Time: More screen time often means less movement. Encourage hobbies that get them off the couch and out of the house.
5. Set the Example: When kids see their parents leading a healthy lifestyle, they’re more likely to follow. Make health a family journey, not a restriction.
Hope for the Future
There’s a long road ahead in addressing the diabetes crisis in American children, but with support and lifestyle changes, we can help prevent it.
“This is why I launched EndoMD Health (www.endomdhealth.com),” says Dr. Davallow. “I not only do a thorough medical evaluation and treatment plan, but I also address emotional eating triggers, like boredom or stress, and focus on the whole child. My goal is that every child who is at risk for Type 2 Diabetes builds lifelong healthy habits to prevent progression and future complications.”
In addition to her website, you can also follow Dr. Ladan Davallow on Instagram.
