Diabetes is one of the biggest global healthcare crisis of the 21st century, with approximately 72 million cases recorded in India. Every 1 out of 10 children in India is prone to diabetes that is expected to double by 2025. While November 14th is celebrated prominently as children's day in India, Interestingly, it is also the same day when 'World Diabetes Day' is observed. The attribute which can be linked strongly to the alarming rise of type 2 diabetes among children is OBESITY. Studies indicate that nearly 5.74%-8.84% of school children in India are obese, and 66.11% of children have abnormal sugar levels in their bodies.
The rising prevalence of diabetes in children is closely associated with economic growth and modernization as they are opening wide the entry point for the globalized marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages high in sugar levels and fats. The children of today are eating about 20% more fat and 40% more sugar than they did six decades ago while burning lesser calories.
Around 85% of children with type 2 diabetes are either obese or overweight due to their sedentary, inactive lifestyle which primarily revolves around watching TV, playing video games and internet gazing rather than getting involved in any physical activity or outdoor sports. The improving standard of living has replaced the traditional micronutrient-rich foods with the readily available, unhealthy, high-calorie junk food which deprives children of getting proper nutrition.
Children with an apple-shaped body who carry the majority of their excess body weight around their abdomen are at high risk of developing diabetes in contrast to children with a pear-shaped body who carry most of their weight in the hips and thighs.
Apart from obesity inactivity, family history of diabetes, adolescent age, low birth weight, and mother with gestational diabetes are the other factors that increase the risk of developing childhood diabetes.
SYMPTOMS
Type 2 diabetes in children may develop gradually and may manifest symptoms such as
1. Increased thirst and frequent urination
2. Fatigue
3. Blurred vision
4. Slow healing of wounds
5. Dry mouth
COMPLICATIONS
Children with type 2 diabetes are at the risk of developing potentially dangerous conditions that can nearly affect every major organ in the child's body. Complications may be disabling or life-threatening if the disease is not well controlled. Complications may include and not limited to
2. Kidney disease
3. Heart and blood vessel disease
4. Eye problem or Diabetic retinopathy
5. High cholesterol level
Diabetes screening is recommended for all children who are overweight or obese. For early diagnosis and effective treatment of the disease visit Max Hospital. One of the best hospitals in New Delhi headed by Dr. Nikhil Agnihotri, who is a pioneer in treating conditions related to childhood DIABESITY.
Blog reviewed by: Dr.Nikhil Agnihotri
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