Diabetes is one of the world’s most common chronic diseases, with increasing prevalence among children. Type 2 diabetes, once known as adult-onset diabetes, is now becoming more prevalent in children and teenagers.

This is alarming considering the long-term complications that come with this disease. There is a need for early diagnosis, proper management and prevention of type 2 diabetes. In this article, we will take a closer look at the current trend and causes of this epidemic and possible solutions.

The Current Trend

The number of children diagnosed with type 2 diabetes increased from less than 5% before 1994 to up to 45% in some countries.

According to the World Health Organization, estimates of the prevalence of diabetes in children and adolescents range from 0.1% to 0.9% of the population. The highest reported prevalence is in the Pacific Island countries, although the true extent of the disease in this population is unknown due to limited health resources for diagnosis and screening.

Causes of the Epidemic

The rise in childhood diabetes has been linked to various factors, including unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, genetic susceptibility and environmental and social factors.

One of the primary causes of type 2 diabetes in children is the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, which has become a global epidemic. Obese children are ten times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-obese children. Other risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children include a family history of diabetes, low birth weight, and exposure to diabetes in the womb.

Unhealthy Eating Habits

Unhealthy eating habits, such as consuming too much sugar and unhealthy fats, have a significant impact on a child’s health.

Children consume an increasing amount of high-calorie snacks and sugar-sweetened beverages, which contribute to the obesity epidemic. The consumption of processed foods, fast food, and takeaways, which are often high in fat, salt, and sugar, has increased dramatically over the last few decades.

Inactivity

Children are increasingly inactive, with many spending too much time sitting and using electronic devices, such as computers, video game consoles and mobile phones.

Many parents have also reduced the time their children spend outside playing, making them more sedentary. This, coupled with unhealthy eating habits, leads to an increase in obesity and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as air pollution and exposure to toxins, can also contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in children.

Exposure to certain chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phthalates, which are found in some plastics, can increase the risk of diabetes in children. Studies have also shown that exposure to traffic-related air pollution is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children.

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes in Children

Prevention is key to reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes in children. Addressing the root causes of the disease, such as unhealthy eating habits and inactivity, can reduce the risk of developing the disease.

The following are some ways to prevent type 2 diabetes in children:.

Healthy Eating Habits

Parents should encourage their children to eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in sugar, unhealthy fats and salt. Children should consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Parents should limit their children’s intake of sugary drinks and snacks, and encourage them to drink plenty of water.

Physical Activity

Parents should encourage their children to engage in regular physical activity, such as playing outside, swimming, or participating in sports. Children should aim to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day.

This can help reduce the risk of obesity and other chronic diseases.

Reducing Environmental Toxins

Parents can reduce their children’s exposure to environmental toxins by avoiding the use of certain plastics, such as those containing BPA.

Parents can also reduce their children’s exposure to air pollution by encouraging them to play in green spaces and away from busy roads.

Conclusion

The drastic rise in child diabetes rates is a serious public health concern, and it is essential to take preventive measures to reduce this trend. Children need to be educated on the importance of a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Parents and schools need to be more proactive in creating healthy environments by providing healthy meals and increasing physical activity opportunities for children. Governments should also develop policies and regulations to create healthier communities and reduce exposure to toxins and pollutants.

It is only through concerted efforts that we can combat this epidemic and reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes among children.