How can I stop eating junky/sweet foods? I don't want diabetes.?

I'm 13 and my dad has a family generation of having diabetes. I do not want to prick myself. I want to stop eating junk foods. I eat too many sweets. I never listen to my mom. She is always telling me to stop. She is tired when she gets home so she can't cook so she instead, buys fast food. I always have a sweet tooth which is bad. I eat pizza, drink gatorade, have a bag of baked chips, and eat one cookie on a daily basis. I've heard there is a pill that you can take to stop your sweet tooth, may you give me the name of it -- (money isn't an issue)? Also, what are symptoms of diabetes? I have a strong feeling I have it right now. I hope not. Is there any way to cure diabetes? My dad's best friend had his leg cut off when he was 30 and he died at 32. So may you please help??





I appreciate it.

How can I stop eating junky/sweet foods? I don't want diabetes.?
I am a physician and am answering this question, because it is a great one. First, I will start with the usual symptoms. Excessive thirst, excessive urination, excessive eating/drinking and fatigue. There are many others. There is also two types of Diabetes Mellitus. If you are young, the type of diabetes that is common among the young is called Type I diabetes. Is usually is not hereditary, but might be. Having a sweet tooth should not be a cause of Diabetes, however, can be a symptom of low blood sugar. At your age, I would not worry about it. If your family is concerned about your risks, you should seek a physician's advise and let him/her check your blood sugar and something called A1C. Type II Diabetes is usually hereditary and sometimes caused by obesity and/or alcoholism. Both types usually present with excessive urination and excessive thirst. If you are concerned, have your parents bring you to the physician to have your sugar checked. Take care and good luck. Having a sweet tooth, as I have had when I was your age has not caused me to have diabetes.
Reply:There isn't a pill that will cure you. You are aware of what the problem is so you have to make your mind up that you can make the changes and stick to it. If it makes it easier for you, I can tell you for sure that once you stop eating foods with added sugar you will have less food cravings.





Ask your mom to buy fruit instead of cookies, cakes, cokes, candy and chips. Tell her you are afraid of getting diabetes and you need her to keep healthier foods in the house.





It wont be easy but once you do it you will feel better. Stop one food at a time so you aren't feeling so deprived.I promise if you stop eating sugar you will feel better and have less food cravings. Once you have given up foods with added sugar you will find that fruit is incredibly sweet . When we eat foods with added sugar our taste buds stop being as sensitive to naturally sweet things like fruit.
Reply:type 1 diabetes isnt preventable.....what you eat (diet) and how much you exercise has nothing to do with whether or not you'll develop it....its usually found in young kids or young adults





type 2 diabetes....you can decrease the chances of developing type 2 by cutting back on the types of foods u listed....cut back on carbs





the main symptoms are.....


1. excessive thirst (you can drink a lot of water and still feel thirsty)


2.excessive hunger


3. frequent urination (going to the bathroom at least every 2 hours...sometimes sooner....going 3 or 4 times a night)





other symptoms are...


1. unexplained weight loss (i loss 40lbs in 2 months)


2. blurry vision


3.feeling tired (i could sleep for 10+ hours and still feel REALLY tired)





there is no cure for either type





by the way, all that junk food you eat doesnt cause type 2 diabetes. what it does is make you fat...being overweight is what increases the chance of developing type 2.
Reply:I want to add something to what starr....... mentioned. Diabetes is not directly caused by your diet. Type 2 diabetes can be indirectly caused by your diet but there are other factors like heredity that are more important than your diet. If It is in your family then you will definitely be at risk when you get older. You can prevent it by exercising, eating right, and keeping your weight down. If you are really concerned about this you should talk to your mom about it. Maybe she would be willing to cook healthier meals for you. I am 44 years old. I have had diabetes for 1 year and I had a heart attack almost 1 year ago (that is one of the many things that can happen to a diabetic). Even though I am tired when I get home, I must take the time to cook and eat properly. This is something I must do every day for the rest of my life because I didn't take care of myself for the first 43 years of my life.
Reply:By eating to live instead of living to eat. All that means is changing your priorities from eating for immediate short lasting pleasure to long term feeling good pleasure. Healthy people feel better than unhealthy people. (I've been on both sides... dramatically so).





Don't believe for a moment, that poor diet doesn't cause diabetes as one person seems to be suggesting. Since it runs in your family, it's vitally important that you learn good eating habits. There is a ton of information out there that points to two major contributors to diabetes in those who have the genetic predisposition like you.... POOR DIET AND LACK OF EXERCISE. Both contribute to weight gain which is a third ingredient in becoming diabetic. Read some of my other answers and follow the links in my profile. I've done a tremendous amount of reading on this and there's no doubt in my mind that diet plays a crucial role in the development of type two diabetes. After reading a few of the articles I refer to under this question, you'll likely agree with me:


http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...