A generation ago, the only people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were older adults. But over the past 20 years more than 20 percent of all new cases type 2 diabetes are diagnosed in children, up 15 percent compared to where it was at two decades ago.
Would your child rather sit in front of a computer screen, playing video games instead of spending time outside riding a bike or playing with his or her friends?
If the answer is yes, doctors at the Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedebad say that parents should consider it a bright red flag that is putting their children at of early type 2 diabetes.
The World Health Organization notes that increase in type 2 diabetes being diagnosed in children and adolescents in some parts of the world has eclipsed type 1 diabetes as the primary sort of diabetes in children.
A generation ago, the only people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes were older adults. But over the past 20 years more than 20 percent of all new cases type 2 diabetes are diagnosed in children, up 15 percent compared to where it was at two decades ago.
Obese children with concentrated fat around the stomach are at greater risk of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes compared to children whose fat is more evenly distributed throughout their bodies.
“For children of our generation, the main source of entertainment was outdoor games. However, it is a common sight today to see small children glued to a video game or huddled together on a digital device for hours. This is causing serious damage to this generation, and parents must take note of it. It is not an intelligent idea to give your child a smart-phone or a play-station. Rather give them games and kits that drive them outdoors. Encourage them to play cricket, basketball, football, even take them out for a jog every day with you if required,” said Dr Dr Amruta Thakkar, Consultant Pediatrics, Columbia Asia Hospital Thakkar.
Experts note that keeping children active is a priority. Exercising 30 to 60 minutes every day is essential. Sound sleep habits are also a key as staying up late and trying to catch up on sleep with naps increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Parents are also encouraged to limit leisure screen time, including video games and television show, to one to two hours a day.
