Children who have type 2 diabetes should not try to lose weight by following a fad diet or by enrolling in a quick-fix weight loss program. Most health professionals recommend that overweight children eat a healthy diet that provides appropriate calories to prevent further weight gain.

Weight loss is appropriate if your child is overweight and he or she has reached adult height. In some severe cases, weight loss before your child reaches his or her full adult height may be needed. See:

• Body mass index (BMI) for boys, ages 2 to 20 .
• Body mass index (BMI) for girls, ages 2 to 20 .

Other types of treatment for diabetes are provided by therapists or others who do not operate within mainstream medical practice. None of these complementary therapies have been proven to be effective in treating diabetes. However, your child may benefit from safe, nontraditional therapies that complement conventional medical treatment for the disease. Talk with your health professional before seeking the following or other complementary therapies for your child.

• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Chiropractic therapy
• Herbal medicines and natural substances, such as antioxidants, vanadium, magnesium, and chromium. Studies have indicated that chromium picolinate, vitamin C, biotin, soluble fiber, and vanadium may help people with type 2 diabetes keep blood sugar levels within a target range.¹¹
• Osteopathy