In today's episode, we address the urgent link between childhood obesity and the looming threat of diabetes. Join host Colleen Sloan and esteemed guest Lucille Bessler, a seasoned Registered Dietitian, as they unpack the clinical pearls and practical strategies healthcare professionals need to reverse prediabetes and prevent diabetes in their young patients. Childhood obesity can be a delicate subject, but it's one we tackle head-on with compassion and actionable guidance. We discuss how to foster a family-centric meal planning approach that ditches the quick-fix diets and instead embraces nutrient-dense, delicious meals everyone will love.  Key Takeaways: 96 million adults have prediabetes, and 1 in 5 children aged 12 to 18 are at risk.Childhood obesity is the leading risk factor for prediabetes and subsequent diabetes.Approaching the topic of a child's weight requires compassion and positive reinforcement.Practical nutrition advice includes emphasizing a balanced meal pattern and high-fiber carbohydrates.The DASH diet is a simple and effective approach for promoting overall family health.Encouraging physical activity and addressing excessive screen time are essential for preventing diabetes.Sleep patterns and mental well-being are intricately connected to screen time, emphasizing its impact on overall health.Plus, I share some of my favorite high fiber snack ideas that kids will adore, from avocado crackers to homemade fruit pops. So, grab your headphones and let's shape the health of our future generations. Don't forget to link up with Colleen on Instagram @examroomnutrition for more nutrition tips and community support, as we strive to make our patients healthier, one exam room at a time. Connect with Lucille: Website: https://nutritionandfamily.com/ DASH diet Resources: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan https://www.diabetesresearchclinicalpractice.com/article/S0168-8227(23)00577-6/fulltext Support the show*** Grab your FREEBIE here! *** Click here to download for FREE! As a thank you for tuning in today, I want to give you my free guide: How to STEER Your Patient Conversations! I understand the struggle when a patient unloads a laundry list of concerns during an appointment. It's overwhelming, time-consuming, and finding the right direction in the conversation can be like searching for a needle in the haystack. With this framework, you'll learn how to guide the conversation effectively, ensuring your patient feels valued and understood, while addressing the most crucial issues. Yes! I need this! Connect with us on Instagram! ====================== Exam Room Nutrition IG: ➡︎@examroomnutrition Support the show! If you love the show and want to help me make it even better, buy me a coffee to help me keep going! ☕️ Just as helpful is sharing the show with someone who'd love it and leaving us a 5 star rating. Thanks for your support!