I am 14 and I have over 50% chance of getting diabetes. Is there anyway that I can take a test to know for sure? Also, if I change my diet to a diabetic diet can that help me not to get diabetes?

I wonder where you got the figure of 50%: if you have a brother or sister or a mother or father with Type 1 diabetes the figure is much nearer to 5%. You might talk to your doctor about this and if you decide that the risk is still significant you could ask about an antibody test which would be a good measure for the commonest form of diabetes in your age group. You could call 1-800-425-8361 for more information.

In the meantime, a sensible ordinary diet that doesn’t encourage abnormal weight gain and plenty of exercise, whilst healthy generally, will not indefinitely defer autoimmune diabetes.

DOB
Additional comments from Lois Schmidt Finney, diabetes dietitian:

I wonder if the writer is referring to a high chance of type 2 diabetes if both parents have the disease. That is a whole different issue. A sensible diet and activity program is essential for both types of diabetes, but may actually be preventive for those overweight and with a family history of type 2 (therefore prone to develop type 2 diabetes). Also, there is really no “diabetic diet”; meal plans must be individualized to the person’s needs.

LSF