World Diabetes Day 2024: Your teen's bad habits are increasing diabetes risk, here’s how to stop

Diabetes causes: Lack of physical activity can make it harder for teenager's body to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is an early warning sign for diabetes (Image: Canva)

Does your teenager spend hours on their phone, scrolling through social media, munching on chips, while watching television? It’s becoming a common routine for many teens. However, what many don’t realise is that behind these everyday habits, there's a growing health concern: diabetes.

Once thought to be a disease that mostly affected older adults, diabetes is now becoming more common among teenagers, says Dr Dheeraj Kapoor, Chief Endocrinology at Artemis Hospitals. “Diabetes used to be rare among teens. Now, it’s becoming more common in children and teens. This shift is mainly due to the lifestyle choices that are now part of growing up in today’s world,” he explains.

Dr Kapoor adds that the lifestyle choices of today's teens, like spending hours indoors, eating more processed foods, and engaging in less physical activity, are making things worse. “These are factors that increase the risk of diabetes. It’s not just an adult problem anymore. Teens, too, are increasingly at risk, and it’s closely linked to the habits that have become a regular part of their daily lives.”

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Dr Kapoor lists some common factors that raise the risk of diabetes among teenagers and suggests prevention tips:

• Sedentary lifestyle: Many teens today lead inactive lives, spending hours in front of screens, whether for school, entertainment, or social media. This lack of physical activity can make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is an early warning sign for diabetes.

• Unhealthy eating habits: A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and fast food is another major risk factor. These foods are often high in calories but low in essential nutrients, contributing to weight gain and other metabolic problems that increase the risk of diabetes. Frequent high sugar intake from snacks and drinks can raise blood glucose levels, overwhelming the body’s ability to regulate them.

• Obesity: Obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for diabetes, and rates among teens are rising significantly. Excess fat, particularly around the abdomen, can interfere with insulin’s effectiveness, leading to insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes.

• Stress and sleep deprivation: Teenagers face intense pressure from academics, social challenges, and extracurriculars. Chronic stress and lack of sleep can disrupt hormone levels, including insulin, making it harder to maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

How parents can help:

Parents play a key role in guiding teens toward healthier habits. Encourage physical activities like sports, walking, or any engaging games. Include a balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting processed snacks and sugary drinks. Foster a positive environment where teens can manage stress through healthy outlets, like hobbies or mindfulness, and ensure they get adequate sleep to support balanced insulin levels.

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.