Diabetes has been one of the most important global health issues which affects millions of people worldwide. Reducing sugar from an early age through adulthood is very important. In recent years there has been an increase in cases of diabetes in adults and early age which includes teenagers and children also.
Sugar restriction in early childhood
In early childhood dietary habits become very quick and especially high – sugar foods and beverages are very appealing to the children.
Some studies show that early exposure to high sugar levels in children can disrupt. A child’s metabolism which increases their risk of early diabetes. As there are many children who are suffering from Type – 1 diabetes.
To take a step in improving. It is important that from an early age parents introduce healthy eating habits and develop a preference for natural foods.
These early choices for the children reduce the risk of obesity and type – 2 diabetes. Dr. Shivam Sharma Head of Department and Consultant Internal Medicine & Diabetology SHALBY Sanar International Hospitals, Gurugram shared “What is added sugar? In plain terms, it refers to sugar that used to enhance the sweetness of food and drink.
This could be found in items bought off the shelf or even in homemade preparations. Moreover, this not just restricted to heaped spoonfuls of white sugar but fruit juices, syrups, etc, as well.
When you’re consuming or feeding kids plain milk, yoghurt, whole fruits or vegetables, there is no risk of added sugar. For kids, too much sugar can also lead to tooth decay. It also affects the immune system, making one excessively prone to falling sick”
Difficulties of Diabetes for children
Children and teenagers with diabetes often find it difficult to follow a strict diet and proper medication routines. This strict diet and daily medications routines not only affects their physical health but also their mental health. As the psychological impact of chronic illness at a young age can lead to many mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
Diabetes in Adults
Talking about adults, diabetes often developed as Type 2 diabetes which happens due to lifestyle factors like obesity, sedentary habits and poor diet. It can cured if changes happen in the lifestyle. It is important for adults to manage their diabetes to avoid complications like kidney damage, heart failure and nerve damage. Nowadays the risk of type 2 diabetes in younger people is a topic of concern as earlier it rarely seen in the young people. Unhealthy diets, increased screen time. Intake of processed food and sugars and reduction in physical activity have increased the risk of diabetes in younger people. The growing number of adolescents who are diagnosed with Type – 2 diabetes is dangerous not only because of diabetes and its immediate health issues. But also because these complications get earlier in life which leads to reduced lifespan and also the quality of life. Dr.(Prof) Surender Kumar Advisor Endocrinology & Metabolism, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital shared “Type 2 diabetes which used to occur at 50 and 60 yrs of age has started catching the young people, even adolescents. When these children grow up and by the time they start finding their livelihood they already have multiple complications of diabetes. It is a dreaded situation. The steps for prevention should be taken at the level of government. Religious institutions and school principals can play a vital role in teaching children about prevention of diabetes as it is possible but a Herculean task. Medicine can only advise, execution is a society duty.”
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Conclusion
Diabetes is now a concern for all age groups which calls for collective treatment like public health campaigns, promoting balanced diets, regular physical activity and the importance of routine health check ups. These are some steps through which we can decrease the growing cases of early diabetes. It is important to take care of the sugar intake as reduction of sugar in early life and continue this till adulthood, individuals can reduce the risk of diabetes and improve their overall health.
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