Dr. Jitendra Singh
While an epidemic of obesity is virtually sweeping the globe, what is ominous is a rapid rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity which is a precursor for a host of metabolic and lifestyle diseases in future life including Diabetes Mellitus. A chubby fat baby is, therefore, no longer the parents’ delight.
Scientific evidence shows that over-weight or obese child is at a considerably higher risk of developing Diabetes in later life or even at a relatively younger age.
The worldover today, there is a growing concern over increasing prevalence of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in children and adolescents. The significance of this recent phenomenon is highlighted by the fact that earlier Type 2 Diabetes was believed to be a disorder of middle age and young diabetics were invariably victims of Type 1 Diabetes. But, unfortunately, this distinction no longer holds good with more and more number of youngsters falling prey to Type 2 Diabetes Mallitus which is partyly a lifestyle disorder.
DOUBLE VULNERABILITY
The presence of obesity constitutes double vulnerability for a child whose parents are Diabetics. It has been noted that children whose both the parents are Diabetics show the highest predisposition to develop Diabetes while the lowest predisposition is observed if neither parent has Diabetes. Obviously, therefore, the risk to develop Diabetes multiplies if the child is born to diabetic parents and in addition the child also happens to be obese.
Significantly, the available data also shows that Diabetes develops at a higher rate if the mother of the child has Diabetes rather than if the father has it.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Considering the long-term complications associated with Diabetes, the contemporary researchers are increasingly focussing on prevention, detection and timely treatment of Diabetes in the pediatric population comprising children and adolescents.
The dictum to be followed is that the treatment of Diabetes should begin before Diabetes appears and the treatment of future Diabetes in a child at high risk should begin before the child is born into a family which has a history of Diabetes. This would imply instituting suitable measures for prevention, early detection and treatment of Diabetes first for the parents themselves and then seeking to reduce risk factors which could enhance the child’s vulnerability.
In an era of junk food when outdoor sports are yielding place to recreation through television or internet, proper counselling regarding optimum body weight and dietary habits of a child must begin right from the day of its birth into a diabetic family. Parents ought to be told that their injudicious pampering through chocolates and candies might actually harm the child. As the child begins to grow, he or she needs to be educated to take part in outdoor activites and adopt a healthy behaviour in matters of diet and other day to day routine chores.
At a time when we are never tired of reminding ourselves that the future of nation lies with its children, can the future of India hold promise unless the future of its children is free from Diabetes and disease!
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