Family History Of Diabetes: How to Keep Your Children Safe and Healthy?

Diabetes is a common lifestyle condition that occurs when your blood sugar is extremely high. Parents who have diabetes may put their children at a higher risk of being diagnosed with the same condition. This article will explore this concept in depth. 

To understand it better, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Abhishek Chopra, Senior Consultant, Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi. 

Can Children Get Diabetes From Parents?

Let us begin by understanding whether children can inherit diabetes from their parents, or if it is a misconception. “Diabetes is not directly ‘passed on’ like some genetic conditions, but children can inherit a higher risk if one or both parents have it. In type-1 diabetes, the risk is linked to genetic and environmental factors, but it is not strongly inherited. In type-2 diabetes, which is increasingly seen in children, family history plays a bigger role. If parents have diabetes, children are more likely to develop insulin resistance, especially when combined with unhealthy lifestyle habits,” explains Dr Chopra.

A 2025 study, published in the ‘Nutrients’ journal, stated that children have a higher risk of being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes later in life if they have diabetic parents. The findings indicated that this risk is primarily passed on from the mother. Having a diabetic mother can double a child’s chances of developing the same condition, whereas a father’s health history does not have as much significance, as per the study. The findings added that the highest risk is seen in those whose parents are both diabetic. However, it stated that following a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced and nutritious diet and regular exercise, can reduce the risk of inheriting diabetes from parents.  

A 2025 study, published in the ‘EClinicalMedicine’ journal, discovered that children of mothers with gestational diabetes or diabetic fathers (type-2 diabetes) have higher chances of developing type-1 diabetes, compared to children whose parents do not have any type of diabetes.  It stated that a mother's gestational diabetes raises the child's risk by 94%, while a father's type-2 diabetes raises the risk by 77%.

Diabetes in Children: Risk Factors and Early Signs

It is important to recognise the early symptoms and signs of diabetes in children. Dr Chopra lists some risk factors and early signs to watch out for:

Risk Factors

• Family history of diabetes.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Unhealthy diet (high sugar and processed foods).
• Low birth weight or maternal diabetes during pregnancy.
• Hormonal conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) (in adolescent girls).

Early signs

• Frequent urination.
• Excessive thirst.
• Increased hunger.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Fatigue or low energy.
• Blurred vision.
• Slow-healing wounds.
• Frequent infections.
• In younger children, bedwetting after being toilet-trained can also be a warning sign.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), women who have gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. These women and their children are also at an increased risk of type-2 diabetes in the future. Regarding this, the American Diabetes Association stated that for diabetic (type-1 diabetes) fathers, the risk of their child developing type-1 diabetes is 1:17. It further adds that for a mother with type-1 diabetes, if her child was born before she was 25, the child's risk is 1:25; and if the child was born after she was 25, the risk is 1:100. 

ALSO READ - Are Diabetes and Cholesterol Connected? Experts Weigh In

Tests and Screening for Diabetes in Children 

If any of the above-mentioned warning signs are present in children, they must be tested without delay. Dr Chopra shares some common tests that include:

• Fasting blood sugar test.
• Random blood sugar test.
• HbA1c (average blood sugar over three months).
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) (if needed).

Regarding when a child should be screened for diabetes, the expert shares that these are the factors to watch out for:

• If the child has symptoms of diabetes.
• If there is a strong family history.
• If the child is overweight or obese with additional risk factors.
• Routine screening may be advised from age ten (or earlier if high risk).

Tips to Protect Children If There Is A Family History Of Diabetes

Dr Chopra shares that while genetics cannot be changed, the risk can be significantly reduced with healthy habits such as:

• Encourage regular physical activity (at least 60 minutes daily).
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.
• Limit sugary foods, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks.
• Ensure healthy weight management.
• Promote adequate sleep and limit screen time.
• Build healthy habits early, as childhood routines often continue into adulthood.
• These steps are especially important for preventing type-2 diabetes.

Lifestyle and Diet Tips to Manage Diabetes in Children

Managing diabetes in children requires a structured but practical approach. Dr Chopra shares some diet and lifestyle tips for this. Let’s take a look.

Diet

• Balanced meals with controlled portions.
• Focus on complex carbohydrates (whole grains), lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Regular meal timings to avoid sugar spikes.
• Limit sweets, refined carbs, and sugary beverages.

Lifestyle

• Daily physical activity (sports, outdoor play).
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Monitor blood sugar levels regularly (as advised).
• Ensure proper sleep and stress management.

Dr Chopra notes that children with diagnosed diabetes should keep these in mind:

• Follow prescribed medications or insulin therapy.
• Educate both children and caregivers about symptoms of low and high blood sugar.
• Regular follow-ups with a paediatrician or endocrinologist.

Most children and teenagers these days do not get the recommended amount of physical activity per day. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), being physically active can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in children. They noted that being physically active makes the body use insulin better and minimises the risk of obesity. Regarding age, they noted that children who developed type 2 diabetes were generally diagnosed in their early teens. One of the reasons behind this is that hormones during puberty make it difficult for the body to use insulin. This holds especially true for girls, who are said to be at a higher risk than boys of developing type-2 diabetes. 

When to See a Doctor 

Dr Chopra suggests that your children should be taken to a doctor to check for diabetes if they are experiencing these signs:

• Sudden weight loss with excessive thirst and urination.
• Persistent fatigue or vomiting.
• Signs of dehydration.
• Fruity-smelling breath or rapid breathing (possible emergency).

“Early diagnosis is critical, especially for type-1 diabetes, which can progress rapidly,” adds the expert.

ALSO READ - Childhood Body Weight Predicts Future Diabetes And Heart Disease Risk: Study

Conclusion

Diabetes in children is becoming more common, especially type-2 diabetes. While family history increases risk, early lifestyle interventions can make a significant difference. Recognising symptoms early, timely screening, and consistent management can help children lead healthy, active lives.