Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem for our youth in India. Although known as a disease of adults, it is now becoming more prevalent among children aged 10 to 18 years.
World Diabetes Day November 14 is marked every year to highlight the complications of chronic disease. The day was proposed by the International Diabetes Federation in 1991 with the support of the World Health Organization and became an official United Nations day in 2006.
Type 2 diabetes is a growing problem for our youth in India. Although known as a disease of adults, it is now becoming more prevalent among children aged 10 to 18 years. However, it is preventable and reversible if treated properly. Over the past two decades, it has been observed that more children between the ages of 11 and 15 are being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Puberty puts young children at greater risk because they are going through a growth spurt, which leads to a constant increase in appetite and regular weight gain during this period, in addition, they go through hormonal changes, which make their bodies more resistant to insulin. can make
Abnormal weight gain and a body mass index (BMI) above the 85th percentile are some of the warning signs that indicate they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, unexpected weight loss is also a concern as it is a sign of insufficient insulin which means the body is burning fat for energy. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Prasad, Senior Consultant, Endocrinologist, Fortis Hospital Noida suggests some tips to manage diabetes in children.
Tips for managing diabetes in children
- Prevention of diabetes requires a lot of discipline in eating habits and exercise.
- A healthy diet and exercise are the keys to completely reversing or preventing type 2 diabetes.
- Eat plenty of vegetables, while reducing the amount of carbohydrates.
- Exercising for at least an hour a day or practicing any sport for an hour regularly will help in curing diabetes.
- During the post-pandemic era and beyond, we have seen an increase in screen time among all children which is a major factor in the increase in the prevalence of diabetes in children. Thus, limiting their screen time is very important
Things that can reverse and reverse diabetes in children include:
- Maintaining an ideal body weight
- Eat healthy, lots of green leafy vegetables, fruits and it is also important to keep TV/other electronic gadgets with screens off while eating.
- Avoiding sugar in any form, including sugary drinks
- Exercising regularly for at least an hour
- Limiting their screen time
- 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep