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Diabetes has become quite common in children, owing primarily to obesity. Early detection, followed by preventive and management measures, aids a child’s future health.
According to Dr. Sukrit Singh, Director Medical of Loop, a healthcare platform for financial security from health risks and improving health outcomes, parents should instill some lifestyle changes in their children to keep them healthy and prevent diabetes.
“There is a surge in type 2 diabetes in children but parents can help prevent this drift by knowing the facts. Now about one-third of urban kids are overweight, especially belly fat which gives rise to insulin resistance, an important modifiable risk factor for developing Type 2 Diabetes,” said Dr Singh.
According to Dr Kriti Soni, Head-R&D, Kapiva, an Ayurvedic brand, “Some of the most commonly identified symptoms of diabetes among kids are increased thirst, urge to pee frequently (possible bed-wetting in a toilet-trained child), unsatiated hunger, unintentional weight loss, lethargy, irritability or behaviour changes, and even a fruity-smelling breath.”
He shared three key facts that parents should be aware of in order to prevent Type 2 Diabetes in their children.
Healthy eating: Dr. Singh advises parents to teach their children the importance of healthy eating and to keep them away from junk food, snacking, and screens while eating.
Parents can help their children develop healthy eating habits by telling them to drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, and eat slowly. “Shop for food together on an empty stomach, have family meals together, serving small portions, and plan celebrations around healthy food,” Dr Singh advised.
Physical activity: It is important to motivate the child to engage in regular physical activity. “Close to 60 minutes a day, start slowly and build up.”
Take fitness classes together, encourage kids to pick a sport, keep exercise equipment at home, involve kids in house chores by turning them into games, and practice good sleep hygiene,” he added.
Mental well-being: Parents must focus on their child’s “mental well-being and manage the stress of studies.” Dr. Singh also stated that peer pressure should be openly discussed in the House.
Dr Kriti Soni gave some Ayurvedic solutions for parents. “Introducing Ayurveda herbs like Amla and turmeric into your child’s diet can help not only build immunity but manage complications from building up. Amla significantly boosts insulin production and helps in controlling diabetes,” said Dr Soni.
A major preventive measure — “parents should screen the children for diabetes and have regular visits to the paediatrician for preventive consultations,” said Dr Singh.
However, if you spot symptoms in your child, “you should take your child to a primary care physician to get the screening for Diabetes Mellitus of either type done,” said Dr Soni, adding, “The presence of velvety dark skin and obesity should warrant you to get the screening for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus undertaken.”
Some foods, such as bread made with white flour, potatoes, rice, and pasta, as well as sugary drinks, should be avoided. Aside from that, increasing physical activity is essential. “Replacing video games with physical activities can aid in the management of diabetes in children. You can also enroll your children in yoga classes “she added.
Source:IT
