Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients (or parents) may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about childhood obesity and diabetes:

1. Should my child be tested for diabetes? If so, at what age?
   
   
2. If my child is overweight, is it safe to start a weight-loss program? If so, which program do you recommend?
   
   
3. What can I do to improve my child's eating habits?
   
   
4. What exercise program do you recommend for my child?
   
   
5. Should my child have a checkup before starting an exercise program?
   
   
6. If my child has type 1 diabetes, can weight gain lead to double diabetes? What exactly does double diabetes mean?
   
   
7. Should I use the body mass index chart or waist-hip ratio for my child? How often should my child be weighed?
   
   
8. How can I avoid overemphasizing issues of weight and body image but at the same time get my kids to practice healthy habits?
   
   
9. Can my child's diabetes medication or other medication contribute to weight gain or weight loss?
   
   
10. If exercise and sensible diet don't work, should weight-loss medications be considered for my child? Are there any we should avoid? Are weight-loss supplements safe or useless or dangerous?
    
    
11. If my child is severely obese and can't lose weight any other way, is surgery an option? If so, is my child a candidate for the Teen Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery study?