Does childhood overweight, parental perception of overweight, or family history of diabetes mellitus increase parental perception of type 2 diabetes risk for their child?

AIM: To evaluate factors that influence parental perception of diabetes mellitus risk for their child.

METHOD: Self-administered survey of parents in a managed care plan.

RESULTS

Child overweight status, family history of type 2 diabetes, and accurate parental perception of their child's overweight status were independent predictors of parental worry about diabetes and perception of greater diabetes risk for their child.

CONCLUSIONS

Accurate parental perception of their child's weight status and a family history of type 2 diabetes may serve as useful motivators in the clinical setting for diabetes prevention.