Consuming junk food while watching TV is increasing diabetes risk in children

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Over time, several studies have established the correlation between screen time, unhealthy eating habits and the increasing prevalence of diabetes in children. This is a concerning trend, observe health experts.

World Diabetes Day is marked on November 14 to raise awareness about the condition and its risk factors, prevention and treatment.

While factors like genetics play a role in causing diabetes among children, environmental and situational factors like consuming junk food can also be responsible. When children are engrossed in television shows or video games, their attention is diverted from their eating habits. This distraction often leads to mindless consumption leading to obesity and diabetes in children aged 12-16.

Explaining this correlation, Dr. Rohit Barnabas, Endocrinologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, says, "Diabetes cases are rapidly surging not only in older people or adults but even children. The factors leading to diabetes are not only stress, family history, genetic and pancreatic damage but even excessive junk food consumption while watching the TV. The combination of sedentary behaviour and unconscious overeating creates a perfect storm for metabolic issues in children. We're observing a significant uptick in obesity rates and, consequently, early-onset of diabetes in children."

Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes. As excessive screen time coupled with junk food consumption causes the former, these habits inevitably also lead to the latter.

Informing how obesity and diabetes can be interlinked in children, he says, "The link between obesity and diabetes is well-established. Excess body fat can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. As children gain weight, their bodies become less responsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. This sets the stage for the development of type 2 diabetes in children."

Dr. Vaishali Naik, Diabetologist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, further elaborates, "Kids aged 12-16 who watch television engage in eating junk food containing high levels of saturated fats, calories and sugars. Fast food and spending too much time in front of the television are causing a spike in childhood obesity in children that is also linked to diabetes. Obesity impacts the child's ability to use insulin and leads to abnormal blood sugar levels and diabetes."

Symptoms of diabetes in children

According to Dr. Naik, some symptoms of diabetes in children are"

• Frequent thirst and urination
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite.

How to prevent diabetes in children?

Lifestyle changes are the most important in the prevention of diabetes among children.

"By instilling healthy habits early, it is possible to protect children from the long-term health consequences of obesity and diabetes. It's not just about preventing disease as it's about fostering a generation of healthier, happier children," remarks Dr. Barnabas.

He suggests the following prevention strategies:

• Parents should limit screen time for children and establish clear boundaries for TV watching and video game use. Watching TV for only 1 hour per day is recommended for children.
• Encourage physical activities as alternatives to screen time. This could include outdoor play, sports or family activities like walks.
• Stock nutritious snacks at home and limit the availability of processed junk food. Opt for fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Teach children to eat at the table, away from screens.
• Help children develop healthy stress coping mechanisms such as gardening, listening to music, and learning a new skill for stress that doesn't involve food or screens.

Sharing more tips, Dr. Naik says, "Give them healthy snacking options: Hummus with veggies, yogurt or milk with fruit, and crunchy chickpeas instead of chips, fries, and other fried foods such as samosas. Additionally, parents should encourage children to exercise daily or play sports to stay healthy, maintain an optimum weight and prevent diabetes."

Dr. Rajesh Bendre, National Technical Head, Apollo Diagnostics, Mumbai, stressed the need for regular health check-ups. He says, "Parents need to prioritise their children's health by taking them for regular health check-ups to actively monitor their physical well-being. Pre-tests like fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance tests can help detect high blood sugar levels before they become problematic."

Regular tests and health check-ups are also necessary for children who already have diabetes. "For children with diabetes, regular monitoring of their blood sugar levels, kidney function, blood pressure and cholesterol is vital. This can help them make necessary changes in their dietary choices and lifestyle to stay healthy and fit," says Dr. Bendre.

"There is still a lack of awareness when it comes to measuring blood sugar levels in children. Parents should ensure to check the blood sugar levels at home with the help of a glucometer as suggested by the doctor and take the necessary steps to improve the quality of life of children with diabetes," he concludes.

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