Childhood Diabetes on the Rise: Whats Causing It and Why Parents Should Be Alarmed

The World has been seeing an unhealthy number of diabetes cases, and the situation remains worse in India. Know the reason behind the surge.

Diabetes is a critical health condition that takes a major toll on the well-being of patient’s lives. The numbers today are alarming, especially in India. Along with adults, more and more children are also being diagnosed with diabetes in the country. In fact, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), approximately 95,600 children under the age of 14 have type 1 diabetes, which is the highest in South-East Asia. The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes among adolescents is also a huge concern, with a study reflecting 12.3% and 8.4% prevalence among adolescent boys and girls, in India. But the question here is, what is causing this alarming rise in childhood diabetes?

Factors linked to the rise of diabetes in children

There are various factors that can cause diabetes in children. It may be poor lifestyle choices, genetic factors or maybe even the compromised quality of food. Let us look at some of the causes of childhood diabetes here.

Genetic Predisposition

A family history of diabetes can significantly increase a child’s risk of getting diabetes, especially the risk for Type 1 diabetes.

Autoimmune Response

In Type 1 diabetes, specifically, the body’s immune system is more prone to mistakenly attack and destroy the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which causes diabetes.

Obesity

It is one of the most rampant factors behind the rising diabetes condition among children, as excess weight, particularly around the abdomen, is known to contribute to insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes.

Physical Inactivity

Your child could be diabetic if they don’t have enough physical activity. A lack of body movements or a lack of exercise reduces insulin sensitivity and leads to weight gain, which can further prompt diabetes.

Unhealthy Diet

Diets are very important while determining the scope of diabetes in an individual. Processed foods, sugary drinks, and even unhealthy fats are known to contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance.

Gestational Diabetes

Children who are born to mothers who had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Less Weight at birth

Infants who are born in a vulnerable situation with a low weight at the time of birth are known to be at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes.

Premature Birth

Children who are born prematurely before 9 months are known to have a higher risk factor for Type 2 diabetes; as such, premature kids have a relatively weak immune system.

Exposure to certain viruses

There are certain known viruses that are known to trigger the autoimmune response in Type 1 diabetes.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain kinds of factors, like chemicals in plastics, pesticides, etc. is known to play a major role in insulin resistance and the development of diabetes.

Diabetes is an alarming situation that is putting people at a higher risk of compromised life quality. In children specifically, this situation can be even more concerning. Parents should make sure their child gets enough exercise, eats healthy and avoids junk food. Some lifestyle changes, along with some medical help, can help in the management of childhood diabetes.