World Diabetes Day 2022: Experts decode alarming rise in diabetes among children — Check causes, symptoms and precautions

World Diabetes Day 2022: Diabetes is a major cause of concern in the world with an increase in the number of patients. This disease is now very common in children. Over the last decade, several children are being diagnosed with diabetes.

Sanjeev Jain, MD, Akums Pharmaceuticals, said, "India is home to a whopping 77 million people diagnosed with diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle and genetic and environmental factors are contributing to more people developing such chronic conditions these days."

What is Diabetes?

Dr Manish Manan, HOD Pediatrics, Paras Hospitals Gurgaon said, “When a person is affected with diabetes, the body either produces insufficient insulin or uses it improperly. Too much blood sugar remains in your circulation when there is insufficient insulin or when cells cease reacting to insulin. That can eventually lead to major health issues like renal disease, eyesight loss, and heart disease.”
 

World Diabetes Day 2022: Why is it increasing among children?

Dr B.M. Makkar diabetologist & President RSSDI (Research society of study in India) said, “Defining a set age for the onset of Type 2 diabetes is now very difficult. Children aged 14-20 are getting affected the most. The number of cases of Type 2 diabetes in this age group has significantly increased. Some studies show that among diabetic children, about 12-25% have Type 2 diabetes. Several factors are responsible for it. First among them is the increasing rate of obesity in children, which is the result of a lack of physical activity, easy availability of food, and increased consumption of junk food. Another factor that contributes is maternal obesity. If a mother is obese at the time of pregnancy, then the chances of having Type 2 diabetes for offspring increase more in their adolescence. Children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes must keep their blood sugar levels in control. Doing so will increase their healthy life span.”

World Diabetes Day 2022: How to manage Diabetes  

Regular checkup is a must: Ensure you keep a track of your checkups and create a file that has all the records for your doctor to analyze every time you visit.  

Eat healthy: It means giving up on a lot of things that you devour; especially street food, junk, adulterated items, desserts, and carbonated drinks. This does not mean you go for the sugar-free option as these have the highest amount of chemical substances to make your beverage delicious.

Include seasonal fruits and vegetables, seeds, dairy products, and whole grains, and drink as much water as you can. Keep yourself hydrated. 

Workouts are a must: Walk for at least 30 mins every day. Be consistent, only then will the body show noticeable changes.  

Stress management is the key: Diabetes is often linked to other conditions like cardiovascular defects, stroke, CKD, nerve damage, foot problems and infections. A lot of things shoot up and ruin the condition when you stress a lot. Try meditating and maintaining your stress levels to avoid any complications.  
 

World Diabetes Day 2022: How to keep kids' sugar levels under control?

For children with Type 1 diabetes, there are various blood tests available. These tests are used to identify diabetes and to track how well it is being managed:

1. A random blood sugar check.

2. The A1C test for glycated haemoglobin.

3. A fasting glucose test

World Diabetes Day 2022: What are the symptoms?

•  Feeling thirsty a lot.
• Toilet-trained toddler urinating often and perhaps wetting the bed.
• Constant hunger.
• Loss of weight.
• Tiredness.
• Changes in irritability or conduct.
• Breath that smells fruity.