By Paresh Kumar
Every year, 14th November marks two significant celebrations—Children’s Day and World Diabetes Day. While the first is dedicated to celebrating the rights and welfare of children, the latter focuses on raising awareness about diabetes, a condition that increasingly affects younger generations. However, in recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged: the rising incidence of diabetes among children.
A Growing Health Crisis
Diabetes, once seen as a disease of adults, has now become a significant concern for children in India. According to a recent cross-sectional study (JAMA Pediatr. 2023) that analyzed data of children with diabetes aged 0 to 14 years from 1990 to 2019, the global incidence of childhood diabetes increased by 39.4%, from 163,029 cases to 227,580 cases. As per the study, in 2019, among 204 countries, India had the most cases of childhood diabetes, with 43,932 cases.
According to the 2022 ICMR National Prevalence Study, India recorded approximately 95,600 cases of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children under 14 years of age. The study also revealed that 15,900 new cases are diagnosed annually within this age group.
The burden of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in children and adolescents is also rising both globally and in India. A systematic review by Wu et al. estimated the incidence of T2DM in Indian children and adolescents at 397 per 100,000 in 2021, ranking India second globally. Additionally, a study by Kumar et al. found that 12.3% of Indian adolescent boys and 8.4% of girls were affected by pre-diabetes or T2DM.
While Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune condition, and there is currently no known way to prevent it, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is primarily linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of exercise, which can be modified to prevent the disease. If left untreated, T2D can lead to serious health complications over time.
This alarming rise in diabetes among children reflects a growing global and national health crisis driven by lifestyle changes, including poor diet, reduced physical activity, and increased screen time. The data underscores the need for immediate public health interventions to prevent further escalation of childhood diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the primary drivers of this growing health crisis is the shift in children’s lifestyles. In urban areas, children now spend an increasing amount of time indoors, glued to their mobile phones, tablets, and computers. This shift away from physical activity, coupled with unhealthy eating habits, has made children more vulnerable to developing Type 2 diabetes.
- Sedentary Behavior: With schools and extracurricular activities often taking a back seat to screen time, physical inactivity has become the norm. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that insufficient physical activity is a leading cause of Type 2 diabetes in children, with screen time being a major contributor.
- Poor Diet Choices: The modern lifestyle often includes processed foods, sugary snacks, and fast food, all of which are high in unhealthy fats and sugars. Such eating habits, when combined with a lack of exercise, increase the likelihood of children becoming overweight or obese, a significant risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
- The Role of Mobile Phones: Mobile phone addiction is another major factor. Research has shown that children who spend excessive time on mobile phones are more likely to experience health issues, including obesity and diabetes. A study conducted by the Indian Journal of Pediatrics found that children who spent more than 2 hours a day on screens had a higher risk of developing obesity and insulin resistance, both of which are precursors to Type 2 diabetes.
A Diabetes-Free Future for Children
On this Children’s Day, it’s time to reflect on the importance of protecting our children from the growing threat of diabetes. While the growing dependence on mobile phones and sedentary habits pose significant challenges, adopting a healthier lifestyle is within our control. It’s vital for parents, schools, and communities to collaborate in guiding children toward a more active, balanced life—one that is free from the risks of diabetes.
So, as we celebrate Children’s Day and World Diabetes Day, let’s commit to making the dream of a diabetes-free childhood a reality. Let’s prioritize health, movement, and well-being in the lives of our future generation.
The author is Co-founder and CEO, DevInsights, a social development research consulting firm. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)