Type 2 diabetes and obesity in children continue to increase at alarming rates with devastating results. However, both these metabolic diseases are largely preventable through adoption of a healthy lifestyle, an understanding of what happens to food in the body, energy balance and some simple aspects of glucose regulation. Can elementary school children be taught the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent type 2 diabetes and obesity? Children need to learn this essential knowledge and practice these important health behavior skills. Elementary school may be an ideal place to master this subject that is a direct and logical extension of current health curricula including nutrition and physical activity blended with science and math.