Top pediatrician lists the symptoms and causes of prediabetes in children, suggests ways to prevent the condition

Causes of diabetes in children: Overweight or obese children, especially with abdominal fat, are at highest risk (Image: Pexels)

The number of school-aged children showing signs of pre-diabetes is climbing at a worrying rate. Obesity, inactivity, and unhealthy diets are some of the reasons behind the growing numbers. It is also concerning that per-diabetes does not always show warning signs.

The symptoms are usually subtle. Dr Ravi Malik, Senior Pediatrician, Founder and Director, Malik Radix Healthcare, Delhi, tells Moneycontrol, “Prediabetes comes with subtle or no symptoms. And left unchecked, it often evolves into type 2 diabetes, which is far more aggressive in young people.”

In the US alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in 2023 that roughly one in three adolescents aged 12–17 had prediabetes — a sharp jump from just a few years earlier. “Globally, around 8.8 percent of children are estimated to have the condition, with rates steadily climbing. Alarmingly, studies show one in five children with prediabetes progresses to type 2 diabetes within seven years,” says Dr Malik.

Most children feel perfectly fine. The only clue may be dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck or armpits, known as acanthosis nigricans. But the danger lies beneath the surface: heart, kidney, and blood vessel damage can begin long before a formal diabetes diagnosis.

Risk factors of childhood diabetes

The rise in prediabetes among childrenis closely tied to lifestyle and genetics:

Excess weight: Overweight or obese children, especially with abdominal fat, are at highest risk.

Sedentary lifestyle: Hours spent in front of screens and little physical activity fuel the problem.

Unhealthy diet: Sugary drinks, processed foods, and unhealthy fats are major contributors.

Family history: A parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes increases risk significantly.

Race and ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans are more vulnerable.

Maternal gestational diabetes: Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes are more at risk.

How to prevent childhood diabetes, manage it

Prediabetes in children, Dr Malik says, can often be prevented or even reversed through simple lifestyle changes:

Promote healthy eating: Emphasise fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while cutting down on sugar and processed foods.

Encourage daily exercise: At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day.

Reduce screen time: Limit hours spent on TV, video games, or phones. Try to keep it below two hours daily.

Regular health check-ups: Early screening from age 10 or puberty onset for children with risk factors.

Focus on lifestyle changes: Make healthy diet and daily exercise a family effort. Children learn by watching.

Prioritise sleep: Sleep is crucial for several health reasons. Children need 9–12 hours a night.

Involve the whole family: Together you can. Set an example, and make it fun for kids. Shared lifestyle changes make adoption easier and less isolating.

Consult a doctor: Do not ignore the doctor visits. Early blood sugar testing is crucial for those at risk.

“Addressing prediabetes early is not just about today. It’s about preventing a tsunami of diabetes and complications in the next generation. The sooner families act, the better,” Dr Malik warns.

FAQs on Symptoms of Diabetes in children

1. What are the early signs of diabetes in children?

Early signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss. Children might also experience extreme fatigue and irritability.

2. Can diabetes in children be symptomless?

Yes, diabetes in children can often present with subtle or no symptoms, making early detection crucial.

3. Are dark skin patches a symptom of diabetes in children?

Yes, dark, velvety patches of skin, usually on the neck or armpits, known as acanthosis nigricans, can be an indicator.

4. How does childhood diabetes affect internal organs?

Diabetes can lead to heart, kidney, and blood vessel damage even before a formal diagnosis is made.

5. What lifestyle factors contribute to the rise of prediabetes in children?

Obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets are primary contributors. Family history and certain ethnicities also increase risk.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.