158 pounds. That’s how much sugar the average American will consume in one year. Much of that sugar is found in sodas, cereals, and processed foods - items that are putting our children and teens at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

“Well, I think as parents, we need to do as much as we can to promote good healthy eating habits,” says Sharon Krispinsky, Certifed Diabetes Nurse Educator for Lee Memorial Health System.

She says it’s never too early or too late to start teaching kids healthy lifestyle habits, “you try to refrain from fast food that we are giving our children. Try to encourage more vegetables in the meal plan. More fruits.”

It’s predicted that 20,000 children and teens will be diagnosed this year with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. In some instances, it can go undiagnosed until adulthood.

“That’s why its important for individuals to see their physicians every year for an annual physical exam and make sure they are having a glucose level done so they can detect undiagnosed diabetes,” adds Krispinsky.

If you notice your child may be thirsty a lot, using the bathroom more frequently, or lethargic, you may want to contact your pediatrician. These are some of the warning signs associated with diabetes.