Rising Cases of Diabetes in Children

India is a country known for its vibrancy, food and rich culture. Everyone celebrates the diverse culture and flavors. However amidst this colorful living, unfortunately, an alarming trend has been brewing recently – a surge in the number of children getting diagnosed with diabetes.  According to the statistics, India, home to the largest population of children, also bears the heaviest burden of childhood morbidity in the world.

India is home to almost 77 million diabetic patients making it the country with second-highest diabetic population in the world. It is further estimated that India is housing  about 97,700 children with diabetes. The World Health Organization said over 95% of Indians are either battling with or are prone to diabetes and the growing prevalence of obesity among children and young adults is one of the primary reasons for the increasing risk. This article will discuss the factors influencing diabetes cases among adolescents, the symptoms, and how it can be prevented. 

Before digging deep let us understand Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes in children. 

In type-1 diabetes, a child’s body is unable to produce enough insulin. Also, known as juvenile diabetes, this can be managed by improving blood sugar level and quality of lifestyle.

In type-2 diabetes, the body’s way of processing glucose for energy is being obstructed. It may cause long-term consequences, if not treated immediately. 

Factors Affecting the Rising Cases of Diabetes in Children

Type-2 diabetes has emerged as a new childhood illness in India due to a rise in obesity. Although the exact cause remains unknown, following are the primary factors of developing diabetes among children:

• Inactive Lifestyle: Less physical activity and more screen time are the root causes of increase in the risk of diabetes. Overweight children are more prone to diabetes than those with a well-managed BMI. 
• Diet: An unhealthy diet, processed food, high in cholesterol and sugar can lead to the risk of diabetes.
• Family History: If the illness runs in the family, risk of developing diabetes is higher.
• Age and Gender: Research says that adolescent girls are more at risk of developing diabetes than adolescent boys. 
• Gestational Cause: A child can get affected with type-2 diabetes if the mother has diabetes during pregnancy. 
• Pre-mature Birth: Pre-mature children have a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes. 

Symptoms of Diabetes

Kindly take prompt action if you notice any of the below symptoms in your child:

• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurry eye vision
• Sudden weight loss
• Frequent infection
• Increased appetite 
• Increased thirst 

Diabetes in Children: How to Prevent?

Imagine being a child, juggling school, friends, and dreams, while also having to manage a chronic condition like diabetes. It’s not easy. Daily insulin doses, blood sugar checks and dietary restrictions become part of a young person’s routine. These challenges may go beyond the physical capability of a child. However, with proper diagnosis and lifestyle changes, diabetes in children can be controlled. 

• Follow a Healthy Diet: What your child eats in a day has a great impact on overall development. Especially, if he/she is dealing with a chronic illness like diabetes. You should be mindful of the plate configuration that is being served. Encourage the child to eat fruits and fiber-rich foods like green vegetables, protein & whole grains. Also maintain a healthy balance when it comes to consuming sugary items.
• Encourage Physical Activities: Reduce their screen time and encourage them to spend more time outside playing, running, cycling, etc. 
• Consult a Medical Specialist: Immediately consult a doctor whenever you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your child. A delay in action can lead to severe consequences. 

Lead a Healthy Life with Health Insurance

Like most diseases, managing diabetes, especially in children, also comes with its financial stress. The cost of insulin, regular medical check-ups and emergency care can strain family finances, particularly in a country with soaring healthcare costs. This is where the importance of health insurance for diabetics comes into play, especially the specialized plans offered by Care Health Insurance in India.

Recognizing the need for specialized Health Insurance plans for children with diabetes in India, Care Health Insurance has designed a comprehensive health cover called ‘Care Freedom’. It covers diabetes, high BP and high BMI and caters specifically to their requirements for a ‘carefree’ recovery. 

Some of the key features of Care Health Insurance’s Care Freedom plan include:

1. Reduced waiting period: Care Freedom offers reduced waiting period of only 2 years for treatment of pre-existing diseases.   
2. Recharge of Sum Insured:  Care Freedom covers you even if the claim amount exceeds the coverage limit of your health insurance policy. You can relax knowing that the basic sum insured will be automatically recharged under Care Freedom so that you or other insured member can use it for future claims.
3. Life-long Renewability: If at any given time, you plan to continue your diabetes health insurance plan for an extended period, you need not worry! The plan comes with the flexibility of a quick renewal for lifelong coverage as per the applicable policy terms.
4. No Pre-Policy Medical Check-up: With Care Freedom, you need not undergo any pre-policy medical check-up to enroll with the Health Insurance plan- irrespective of the age or health conditions. You can get the policy digitally, without any tedious paperwork. 
5. Annual Health check – up: Insured members can keep a track of their health with in-built provision of annual health check-ups. 
6. Cashless healthcare facility: With the Care Health Insurance plan, you get the advantage of a getting cashless treatment at an extensive network of 22,900+ healthcare providers. 

There is no denying that health insurance has a wide range of benefits and can act as a safety cushion in case of unforeseen medical emergencies. Some of the benefits that policyholders get are:

-In-patient hospitalization

-Daycare treatment 

-Pre and post-hospitalization

-Ambulance cover

-Domiciliary hospitalization

-Consumable allowance

-Automatic recharge of Sum Insured

-Digital Discount on premium

-Tax benefits under section 80D of the Income Tax Act

Care Health Insurance’s commitment to providing specialized Health Insurance plans for these young warriors is a beacon of hope, offering a brighter and healthier future for children with diabetes in India. Life is unpredictable but we can be better prepared for it and the right health insurance plans like Care Freedom can help you win the financial battle against diabetes.