Only a few decades ago, the phrase childhood diabetes almost exclusively referred to type 1 (T1D), a disease caused by one’s own immune system destroying cells that produce insulin. But now that reality has changed. There is a clear surge of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among children in India which was earlier deemed as a disease of adults.
The sharp rise has been associated with a corresponding boom in childhood obesity, a product of contemporary living. Increased consumption of calorie-dense processed foods, less physical activity and excessive screen time have all contributed. This trend was further exacerbated by the extended COVID-19 lockdowns that kept children indoors.
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“We are genetically predisposed to Diabetes in India- evidenced by higher body fat/ abdominal fat makes it even dire. Many of the risk factors start before birth — kids whose mothers had gestational diabetes or who were born small-for-gestational-age are at higher risk,” Dr Ganesh Jevalikar, Director-Paediatric Endocrinology-Max Smart Hospital Saket told Moneycontrol.
Recent studies have demonstrated that T2D in children is more aggressive compared to adults presenting with type 2 diabetes, having faster disease progression, higher rate of complications and early insulin deficiency. Those little kids who cannot receive oral medications are getting advanced therapies or insulin at a very young age.
Why Type 2 Diabetes Is So Dangerous in Kids
T2D developing in childhood is more aggressive and leads to complications at an earlier age. Children can have symptoms such as peeing lots, being very thirsty, losing weight for no reason or having repeated skin and fungal infections. It is often silent and detected only on routine tests — so early screening for obese children over 10 years in the region is essential.
Risk factors parents should be monitoring
Many kids with T2D are overweight, have a family history of the disease, and/or have dark skin on the neck or under the arms (acanthosis), which is a sign of insulin resistance. The combination of bad diet, inactivity and genetic predisposition speeds up the process.
Treatment
Diet and exercise are the basis of treatment, but lifestyle change alone is not always sufficient. Medications are often required. New treatments such as GLP-1 analogs have a step up effect for obesity and T2D. Also, insulin is prescribed in severe cases or when patients do not respond to oral drugs.
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Prevention
The Doctor emphasizes that the best defense is a good offense. Good antenatal care, breastfeeding and avoiding overfeeding in infancy can decrease risk of obesity. For big kids:
- A nourishing diet, one full of good carbs, protein, fiber and low in sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Promoting outdoor play and organized sports to counteract sedentary lifestyles.
- Not allowing screen time at all to avoid inactive and mindless snacking.
The increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes among children is a ticking time bomb for the healthcare system in India. As Dr Jevalikar cautioned, swift and integrated action — among families, schools and policymakers — is necessary. “We need to act on childhood obesity sooner rather than later,” he warns.
FAQs about type 2 diabetes
Q: What has caused the increase in type 2 diabetes among children in India?
A: The increase is linked to rising childhood obesity due to contemporary lifestyles, including high consumption of processed foods, reduced physical activity, and excessive screen time.
Q: What are the symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children?
A: Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, and repeated skin and fungal infections. However, it can often be silent and detected only through routine tests.
Q: What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children?
A: Risk factors include being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, and exhibiting signs of insulin resistance such as dark skin patches on the neck or underarms.
Q: How is type 2 diabetes in children treated?
A: Treatment involves diet and exercise, but often medications are needed. Advanced therapies or insulin may be required for severe cases or when oral medications are ineffective.
Q: How can type 2 diabetes in children be prevented?
A: Prevention includes good antenatal care, breastfeeding, avoiding overfeeding in infancy, providing a nourishing diet low in sugar and processed foods, promoting physical activity, and limiting screen time.
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.
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