My daughter is nine years old, drinks a lot, urinates a lot, and has recently complained about blurred vision and a “flickering” of her eye and headaches. She was checked by an eye doctor and I was told she’s fine. She’s about eight pounds overweight, but struggles daily to keep her weight down. She doesn’t appear to be overweight anywhere on her body but her belly area. Her paternal grandfather has type 2 diabetes and was diagnosed much later in life. Do you think she should be checked out and what exactly are the tests to be done to rule diabetes out?

I can understand your concern about your daughter and would suggest, rather than spend any more time worrying, that you discuss these symptoms with your daughter’s doctor. A simple exam and blood sugar test can diagnose or rule out diabetes. With that information you can move forward with treatment, if needed. Having diabetes in the family does put more risk for other family members. It is good that you are aware of the symptoms and will get your daughter checked.

Concerning her weight, children often have times of weight gain before growth spurts. Rather than cause her to worry about her weight at this very young age, put the emphasis on exercise such as riding bikes, playing games, being more physically active each day. This will serve her well throughout her life rather than spending her time focusing on foods and guilt. At meals and snacks, add more veggie and fruit options and less packaged, processed foods. Having healthy choices available, without making her go hungry, will make it easier to get the nutrients she needs for growth and development without feeling bad about eating when she’s hungry. One last suggestion, encourage her to drink more water. Most people don’t drink enough and sometimes eat due to thirst.

KS