World Diabetes Day 2024: Poor diet, sedentary life, or increased screen time—what's driving rise in cases among kids?

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death across the globe, affecting millions every year. In India, around 77 million people above the age of 18 years are suffering from the condition, and about 25 million are prediabetics.?

India, which is also called the "diabetes capital of the world," is simultaneously witnessing a rise in Type 2 diabetes in children, specifically among adolescents in the age group of 12–18 years.?

Although type 2 diabetes has traditionally been more common among older adults, the data on children has been concerning. But what are the factors leading to the high incidence of type 2 diabetes in children?

A rise in diabetes cases among children?

To find out the answers and raise awareness, there is no better day than World Diabetes Day, which is marked on November 14th every year.?

"Obesity is one of the factors behind rising diabetes rates among children due to a sedentary lifestyle. With screens continuously drawing attention, children are not doing any physical activities and are just glued to smartphones,” says Dr. Amar Bhise, Consultant, PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit), Neonatology, Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, Pune.

Nowadays, children are eating a lot of processed, junk, and canned foods, sugary treats such as ice creams, candies, and bakery items that are causing a surge in obesity and type 2 diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle is also one of the culprits behind obesity and diabetes.

According to Dr. Jinendra Jain, Consultant Physician, Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, “Factors like excessive fat, particularly around the abdominal area, can make their body resistant towards insulin. This means that their body may struggle to use sugar, also known as glucose, properly. Over time, it can lead to higher blood sugar, which can further contribute to diabetes eventually.”

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To get the basics right, we asked some experts a few questions to understand the factors behind the surge in diabetes cases among children.

Does poor diet also play a role, including high consumption of chocolates, sugary beverages, and processed foods that lead to type 2 diabetes?

Kids love eating junk food. They choose food according to their taste and not their nutritional values and benefits. They are more attracted to foods that are high in sugar, sodium, and preservatives, which can lead to weight gain. This can impair the effectiveness of the body’s insulin system.

“High consumption of chocolates, sugary beverages, and processed foods leads to the accumulation of refined sugar in the body along with unhealthy fats, which can wreak havoc on insulin sensitivity and one can suffer from obesity and eventually get diabetes,” adds Dr. Bhise.?

Food options like chocolate, pastries, candies, and soda can cause sudden spikes in your blood sugar levels, which can heighten the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Does increased screen time among children contribute to insulin resistance and the risk of type 2 diabetes?

As children spend more time glued to screens, they are less likely to engage in outdoor play or sports, activities that help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain healthy weight, and suffer from obesity and eventually diabetes.?

Screens can cause unhealthy eating patterns, such as snacking on high-sugar and fatty foods, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes in children.

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According to Dr. Jain, “Screen time can be a major contributor. More screen time means sitting in one place for an extended period, which can lead to weight gain. This screen time is often accompanied by unhealthy junk food options like chips, burgers, pizza, pasta, and pastries, which can add up to their weight. This can significantly increase the risk of developing diabetes, particularly type 2.”

Does genetics play a role, or are it the environmental factors that are influencing the early onset of type 2 diabetes in kids?

Both genetics and environmental factors play a role when it comes to influencing the early onset of type 2 diabetes in kids. “Children with a family history of diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetes,” points out Dr. Jain. But one should remember that along with genetics, environmental factors like dietary choices, physical activity, and lifestyle are equally important.

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However, Dr. Bhise advises, “One should be aware of family history and genetics leading to type 2 diabetes in children.” Parents should ensure the child eats a well-balanced diet, exercises daily, and maintains an optimum weight.?

So, if you are a parent, do not miss out on these factors and symptoms of diabetes in your kids. Take early precautions to make a healthy future.

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