Kids' Health Alert: Decoding the Surge in Child Diabetes Cases

In the past few decades, the landscape of children's health has undergone a seismic shift, a study done on the global burden of diseases in 2019  marked a nearly 40% surge in diabetes cases globally between 1990 to 2019.  The sharp increase among children aged 10 to 14 is of particular concern, highlighting the pressing need for awareness and intervention.

As we look into the details of this health crisis, we uncover key statistics and the cause of an alarming rise in obesity and high blood sugar levels in children. 

 

Understanding Health Numbers in India: Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity

In India's health scene, let's look at some important numbers.

Here's the gist: Between 2019 and 2021, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that thirty-one million Indians were diagnosed with diabetes. But that's not all—35.5% of Indians deal with hypertension, and 40% face concerns about belly fat, with a worrying 50% prevalence among females. In a concerning discovery, 1 in 10 Indian kids is at risk of diabetes.

In 2022, the study further  revealed a concerning reality for the health of India's youth. An estimated 95,600 children under the age of 14 are grappling with Type 1 diabetes. While Type 2 diabetes has traditionally been associated with adults, the ICMR highlights a disquieting trend—approximately one in every 400 children in India is now diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Simultaneously, the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes is growing, frequently correlated with the rise in body weight among the younger population.

 

How does Diabetes affects your Children?

 

What happens in Type 1 Diabetes?

- Body struggles to produce insulin, a vital hormone.

- Insulin is essential for glucose to enter cells for energy.

- Insufficient insulin leads to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

- Complications affect blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, and the heart.

 

What happens in Type 2 Diabetes?

 - Body struggles to use glucose for energy.

- Post-meals, carbohydrates convert into glucose, causing a surge in blood sugar.

- Pancreas produces insulin, but cells' resistance hampers its effectiveness.

- Compensated initially by extra insulin, pancreas falters, leading to persistent high blood sugars.

 

What are the symptoms to look out for ?

- Persistent tiredness.

- Abnormal weight changes.

- Increased thirst and urination.

- Fatigue, irritability.

- Blurred vision, abdominal pain.

- Slow wound healing.

 

As a parent how can you prevent this deadly disease? 

- If you notice symptoms, consult a doctor promptly.

- Early recognition impacts effective childhood health management.

 

How can diabetes be prevented ?

 Health professionals have long warned about the sedentary lifestyle of children and the associated health risks. It falls upon individuals, parents, and caregivers to take proactive steps in caring for the well-being of children and fostering a healthier lifestyle.

 

Summary: 

With more kids facing diabetes, it's important to live healthy. We need to act now to keep our children's future safe. Let's come together, spread the word, and do things to prevent problems for a better, healthier tomorrow. Time to act is now!