Diabetes Prevention: Youth and Family Programs
Smart Moves for Kids
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) works with community partners to implement Smart Moves for Kids in ways that reflect local culture and community strengths. MDH is committed to working with partners to strengthen connections between healthcare and community-based programs so more families can learn about and access support for healthy habits.
Smart Moves for Kids (previously Bright Bodies Healthy Lifestyles Program) is a comprehensive, family-based lifestyle change program that helps children ages 7-18 and their caregivers build healthy habits together.
Smart Moves for Kids focuses on practical, hands-on skills such as:
- Planning and preparing nutritious meals as a family
- Finding fun, accessible ways to move more
- Setting realistic family goals
- Strengthening daily routines that support long-term health
Smart Moves for Kids is designed for real-world settings, such as healthcare, community, or public health, and can be adapted to reflect the strengths, cultures, and priorities of the communities served.
At White Earth Nation, families who participated in Smart Moves for Kids reported better routines around meals and movement, demonstrating the importance of culturally grounded, community-led approaches.
“I liked the Smart Moves topics and found them helpful in learning how to be healthier.” -Youth participant, White Earth Nation
Partner with us
Organizations interested in implementing family-based lifestyle change programs can partner with MDH to:
- Explore program options that fit their community
- Receive guidance on recruiting and retaining participants
- Strengthen connections with healthcare to establish or refine referral systems to identify participants
- Adapt programs to reflect community strengths and priorities
Interested in bringing this type 2 diabetes prevention program to your community? Contact us at health.diabetes@state.mn.us.
Preventing diabetes in youth and families
Healthy habits early in life can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. MDH partners with communities, health systems, and organizations across the state to implement evidence-based lifestyle change programs that help youth and their caregivers:
- Build healthy eating habits
- Increase physical activity
- Strengthen family routines
- Improve overall health well-being
Why this matters
Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in children and adolescents. In 2023, an estimated one in three adolescents ages 12-17 had prediabetes in the United States, putting them at higher risk for developing diabetes and related health conditions. Early prevention—centered on families, culture, and community, can help change that trajectory.