The increasing rate of type 2 diabetes among children is mainly driven by the problem of insulin resistance, which is closely linked to obesity in children. Primarily, belly fat, known as central obesity, is the reason for developing insulin resistance, and this condition is increasingly present in children affected with type 2 diabetes. Several factors contribute to the increase in childhood obesity:
- Sedentary lifestyle: Most children today spend too much time indoors, staring at screens, and less time playing outside.
- Overconsumption of sugar drinks: Soft drinks and fizzy juices consist of a lot of empty calories and are of little nutritious value. These drinks are also ever-present in your homes, on any outings, and when guests come to visit your house, so this is not an easy habit to avoid.
- Limited outdoor play: In urban areas, children have missed open spaces for outdoor play. Even when outdoor plays are available, most kids would prefer remaining indoors because screen time has increased.
- Parents: They unknowingly make unhealthy eating habits as they reward their child with soft drinks and snacks. In some cases, they classify an overweight child as healthy.
This is because the calorie intake, in the form of sugary foods and drinks, is drastically higher than the caloric expenditure in the form of physical activities, causing obesity, and subsequently, insulin resistance-the key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Though genetics plays a role, lifestyle choice is a far more significant factor in rising rates of diabetes in children.
Signs of Type 2 Diabetes in Children
Prevention is always better than cure. Preventing the growing problem of obesity in children and diabetes in them requires parents to lead healthy lifestyles and inspire their children. Healthy habits are contagious, and children will likely become healthier if they watch their parents perform these habits.
Here are some common early signs of type 2 diabetes:
- Increased abdominal fat: When the tummy part of your child bulges out and goes to the chest level, it means he or she has a form of obesity called central obesity that is very associated with type 2 diabetes.
- Less physical activity: A child who becomes less active is more at risk of getting obesity and insulin resistance.
- Skin changes: Dark patches, particularly on the neck (a condition known as Acanthosis Nigricans), suggest a malfunction with insulin and may result in type 2 diabetes.
- Your child should know that overweight or obese isn’t healthy. It is a dangerous condition that can lead to diabetes.
When to see a doctor
Routine health reviews are recommended; this is especially so when the frequent visits to the doctor during the period of immunization become less essential. Regular health reviews should always be ensured by parents for their children; in fact, it should be biannual. The following key assessments will be done:
- Weight and height percentiles: A child’s growth should be measured on a chart by a pediatrician to establish if a child is at a healthy weight or at risk of obesity.
- Blood pressure: High blood pressure is becoming more prevalent in children, especially overweight ones. It should be screened from time to time.
- Regular screening for diabetes: If a child has precursors to insulin resistance-any skin pigmentation-it must be brought to a doctor immediately.
The Role of Parents
Parents should be the initiators of healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition, the use of adequate physical activity, and sleep. As role models, the lifestyle of parents will hugely influence their children’s selections. A healthy way of life at home should enable healthy practices like reducing time on the screen, more outdoors play, and healthy meals.
With such practices, parents can ensure their children are not prone to obesity and in turn, not at risk of type 2 diabetes.
(Shailaja Mane, HOD Paediatric, DPU Super specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune)
