Diabetes, one of the deadliest ailments among Indians is slowly reducing the age of its targets. Doctors say that in recent times, they are getting teenagers and even children who’re affected by this deadly disease. While these kids watch their friends and classmates gorging on sweets, cakes and ice-creams, these children are busy taking insulin shots and checking their blood sugar levels.
Doctors say that the sedentary lifestyle led by our children is the main cause for this. Anil Bhoraskar, India’s representative at the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) terms it as an obesity epidemic. “The main problem lies in faulty eating habits, coupled with a lack of exercise and outdoor activity. Childhood obesity is on the rise and when a child is overweight, the body becomes more resistant to insulin. This can lead to Type II diabetes, which has traditionally always hit middle-aged people,” Dr Bhoraskar says.
Dr Pradeep Talwalkar, diabetologist at S.L. Raheja Hospital, a Fortis Associate, says Indians have always been prone to diabetes. “Our genetic make-up is such that we are more predisposed towards diabetes. Traditionally, our lifestyle was such that it would offset the genetic factors. But with our lifestyle becoming more sedentary, it’s not the case,” he says.