“Does eating sweets cause diabetes in children?”

Type 1 diabetes is mostly an autoimmune process in which the immune system destroys the insulin producing cells called islet cell. Once 80% of the islet cells are destroyed, the body is not able to produce enough insulin to much the metabolic demand of the body. This is called insulin dependent or juvenile diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is usually, at least in the beginning, insulin independent. It means that the disease will respond to lifestyle changes, weight reduction, or oral medications.

If your daughter is eating sweets which are not healthy, this can lead to obesity insulin, resistance, etc., which in turn may lead to type 2 diabetes. However, eating lots of sweets is very unhealthy regardless of diabetes. Try to limit sweets and make sure she is active and maintains an ideal weight for her age. You may also need to see a nutritionist for better nutritional information.

Good luck.

The cause of diabetes mellitus is multi-factorial, but it is true that diet is one of the key factors in its cause. Remember that there are 2 types of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 is when the pancreas does not produce insulin most of the time, secondary to an autoimmune process. Type 2 is when the production of insulin by the pancreas is not enough, secondary to obesity and insulin resistance. My best recommendation is keep a balanced diet, allowing sweets occasionally. It is always good to teach your daughter about healthy lifestyle habits.

Type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating sweets. However, depending on family history, how old your daughter is, and other factors including excess weight, she may increase her risk of type 2 diabetes. Your daughter's healthcare provider would be able to answer this more definitively.

Simple answer is no. But, if eating extra sugary foods/snacks leads to obesity then it is the overweight situation that can overwhelm the pancreas and be associated - but not causing - diabetes.

Easiest way to control the sweets and chocolates is don't purchase them so that they are not in the house. Same for sugar containing drinks, juice etc.