The increased risk of diabetes was a condition once primarily considered as adult-only but type 2 diabetes is now being diagnosed in teenagers. As reported by the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020, more than 210,000 children and teenagers under the age of 20 in the United States have diagnosed diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes continues to accounts majority of such instances, the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in adolescents is a cause for concern and an indicator of an urgent public health emergency.

The surge is closely linked to lifestyle habits, especially unhealthy eating habits and physical inactivity. As Wellness & Nutrition Consultant Sheela Krishnaswamy puts it, "Once known as 'adult-onset diabetes,' type 2 diabetes now affects younger age groups." The phenomenon is not limited to one region, but global, with the International Diabetes Federation estimating that 1.1 million children and youth between the ages of 14–19 years live with diabetes.

What Are The Different Types of Diabetes Affecting Teenagers?

Type 1 diabetes, or juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. It usually appears during childhood or adolescence and demands a lifetime of insulin treatment. Type 2 diabetes arises when the body is resistant to insulin or does not produce sufficient amounts. Traditionally observed in adults, Type 2 is increasingly being diagnosed in teenagers—its yearly increase in young people (4.8%) is higher than Type 1 (1.8%), the NIH reports.

Type 2 diabetes, once typical of the adult population, is now increasing more quickly in children. Type 2 diabetes is associated with insulin resistance and usually a consequence of obesity, lack of exercise, and diets rich in sugar and poor in nutrients. The National Institutes of Health states that type 2 diabetes increases annually at a rate of 4.8% in children, compared to 1.8% for type 1 diabetes.

Warning Signs of Diabetes in Teens that Parents Should Know

Early signs of diabetes in teenagers are often subtle and can go unnoticed. Doctors advise parents to look out for the "4 Ts":

• Toilets: Increased urination or new episodes of bedwetting.
• Thirsty: Excessive, unslakable thirst.
• Tired: Unexplained tiredness.
• Thinner: Unexpected, unexplained weight loss.

Other indications can be greater hunger, irritability, blurred vision, and, in Type 1, fruity-smelling breath. Early identification and medical assessment are important to prevent delayed diagnosis and complications.

What Could Be Called The 'Root' Cause Of Teen Diabetes?

The revolution of fast food culture and sweet drinks has revolutionized teen eating habits globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2022, 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 were overweight, and 160 million were obese. The global fast-food industry, worth almost $1 trillion, is set to expand even more, to the detriment of poor eating habits.

Teenagers nowadays tend to take in a lot of calories with little nutritional content. Diets high in sugar, processed foods, and absence of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains not only fuel obesity—a direct risk for Type 2 diabetes—but also lead to insulin resistance. Adding insult to injury, screen time has increased dramatically and exercise has decreased dramatically: just one in seven children worldwide receives adequate exercise, screen time, and sleep recommendations.

Sheela Krishnaswamy further states, "Even with these striking statistics, type 2 diabetes may go undiagnosed. Young people tend to believe they are not in danger, which can lead to delayed diagnoses."

A 2022 report from WHO stated that 390 million children and adolescents in the age group of 5–19 years were overweight, and 160 million had obesity. This is amplified by a flourishing fast food industry and screen addiction. A study in 33 countries found that fewer than one in seven children achieve world standards of physical activity, screen use, and sleeping patterns.

How Lifestyle Changes and Nutrition Fixes Can Help Curb Teen Diabetes?

Amid the dire trends, new research holds promise: basic, targeted nutrition interventions can potentially reverse prediabetes in young people. A new study published by the National Diabetes, Obesity, and Cholesterol Foundation (NDOC) discovered that eating a serving of almonds before major meals enhanced blood sugar management among Asian Indian participants with prediabetes and overweight/obesity. Astoundingly, after three months, almost a quarter of participants returned to normal, non-prediabetic blood sugar levels.

Other research corroborates the evidence. In a Mumbai randomized controlled trial involving adolescents and young adults, daily almond intake lowered HbA1c, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol markedly in individuals at risk of diabetes. Almonds' low glycemic index, fiber richness, and nutrient-dense composition—magnesium, vitamin E, and heart-healthy fats—are reasons why almonds are well-suited to manage blood sugar.

Recent studies highlight the therapeutic role of almonds in managing blood sugar and lowering diabetes risk. The National Diabetes, Obesity, and Cholesterol Foundation (NDOC) discovered that eating a handful of almonds before meals enhanced blood sugar control in overweight Asian Indians with prediabetes. Within three months, close to a quarter of the group resumed normal blood sugar control.

In a second randomized controlled trial in Mumbai, teens and young adults 16–25 years old ate 56 grams of almonds per day for 90 days. Outcomes indicated substantial decreases in HbA1c, LDL, and total cholesterol levels compared to those who ate a cereal-pulse-based snack. The low glycemic index and heart-healthy fats of almonds make them an excellent addition to prediabetes diet.

Simple Lifestyle Fixes That Can Help

Parents can take action to lower diabetes risk in their kids:

1. Nutrition Overhaul

Restrict sugary drinks and processed foods. Add nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Add almonds and other nutritious snacks to regular meals. A 28g almond serving contains 4g of fiber and 15 nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E.

2. Make Exercise a Habit

For teens, encourage a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Team sports, dance lessons, walking, or biking are great choices.

3. Cut Back on Screen Time

Set a limit for screen-based recreational time to two hours per day. Support active hobbies that involve movement and interaction with other people.

4. Be a Role Model

Healthy habits start at home. Parents who maintain an active lifestyle and balanced diet are more likely to inspire their teens to follow suit.

The rise of diabetes among children is not only a health problem—it's an challenge that mirrors bigger changes in technology, culture, and food systems. The interaction between heredity, environment, and living style is complicated, but the evidence is unequivocal: prevention is attainable, and food is a potent ally. As Krishnaswamy emphasizes, "Regular screenings are a must. Youth should also emphasize modifiable risk factors like diet and exercise to keep a healthy body weight."

Nutritious food has become up to 25% more expensive over the past five years, leaving nearly one-third of the global population unable to afford a healthy diet, according to a new report released by the United Nations.

The 2026 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World, published by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), estimates that a healthy diet now costs an average of US$4.28 (S$5.52) in purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars per person per day.

"A healthy diet costs 25% more than it did five years ago. One-third of the global population can't afford it. The cost of a healthy diet shows where agrifood systems investments can have the greatest impact," Máximo Torero Cullen, the FAO's Chief Economist, wrote in a post on social media platform X.

What Are The Key Findings?

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The full report, to be presented on July 21 at the organization's headquarters in Rome, found that the cost of a healthy diet is unevenly distributed across different food groups.

• Staple foods, including grains and legumes, account for 13% of the total cost.

• Animal-source foods make up nearly 30%, making them the largest cost component.

• Fruits and vegetables contribute about 16% of the overall cost.

"The challenge is not to produce enough calories; it is to make nutrient-rich foods more affordable," Torero said during a press conference, as quoted by AFP. The full report will be presented July 21 at the organization's headquarters in Rome.

He emphasized that strengthening local food production could significantly lower the cost of healthy diets.

Torero also highlighted two major uncertainties that could further drive up global food prices:

• A potential disruption in fertilizer supplies if the Strait of Hormuz faces prolonged closure amid tensions involving Iran

• The impact of a strong El Niño weather pattern, which is expected to peak toward the end of 2026.

Healthy Eating to Prevent Chronic Disease: One Size Doesn't Fit All

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While eating a healthy diet is widely recommended to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, experts say there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Nutritional needs vary based on factors such as age, health status, activity level, and cultural preferences.

According to Harvard Health, the key principles of a healthy diet include:

• Eating plenty of plant foods: Vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds provide vitamins, minerals, fibre, and beneficial plant compounds known as phytochemicals

• Getting enough protein: Adequate protein intake, combined with regular physical activity, helps maintain muscle strength, overall health, and independence as people age

• Avoiding processed foods: Prioritize whole and minimally processed foods over ultra-processed products, which often contain excess sugar, unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives while offering fewer nutrients

• Limiting saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium: The US Dietary Guidelines recommend keeping saturated fat and added sugar intake to less than 10% of daily calories while reducing sodium intake.

• Focus on balance and variety: Eating a diverse range of nutrient-dense foods across all food groups helps meet nutritional needs without consuming excess calories.

Amid intensified inspections and market surveillance by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to crack down on counterfeit and substandard dairy products, a new survey has found that 6 in 10 urban Indian households are not fully confident about the purity and quality of the ghee or clarified butter they consume.

The survey, conducted by community social media platform LocalCircles, received over 91,000 responses from more than 18,000 urban consumers across 293 districts, revealing widespread concern over adulteration—particularly in loose and unbranded ghee.

Survey Findings

According to the survey:

• 60% of urban households said they are only partially confident or not confident about the purity and quality of ghee.
• Consumers expressed greater concern about loose or unbranded ghee, which is perceived to be at higher risk of adulteration.

The findings come amid a series of enforcement actions by FSSAI targeting fake and substandard dairy products across India.

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FSSAI Intensifies Action Against Adulterated Ghee

In December 2025, FSSAI directed all States and Union Territories to launch a nationwide enforcement drive against the adulteration and misbranding of milk and milk products, including ghee, paneer and khoya, under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Since then, the regulator has significantly expanded inspections and surveillance. Recent enforcement actions include:

• June 2026: FSSAI busted a counterfeit ghee network operating across Delhi and Haryana, seizing over 6,500 litres of suspected adulterated ghee. Laboratory testing found samples mixed with vegetable oils and other non-dairy ingredients.
• July 2026: FSSAI seized more than 50,000 food and non-food products in Delhi over fraudulent relabelling and improper storage. Around the same time, Delhi Police dismantled a syndicate that allegedly altered manufacturing and expiry dates on packaged goods before supplying them to retail and e-commerce markets.
• November 2025: Authorities uncovered a major fake ghee racket in Bengaluru operating under the Nandini brand name, seizing over 8,000 litres of suspected adulterated ghee and machinery allegedly used to manufacture counterfeit products.

FSSAI has also issued notices to quick-commerce platforms over complaints of expired and spoiled food products being delivered to consumers.

Is Ghee Healthy?

Made by clarifying butter obtained from cow's milk, ghee is a staple in Indian kitchens and contains approximately 130 calories and 15 grams of fat per tablespoon. It is also a rich source of vitamins A, D, E and K, along with antioxidants.

However, because ghee is high in saturated fat, excessive consumption may raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in some individuals and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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Who Should Limit or Avoid Ghee?

Health experts advise people with certain medical conditions to consume ghee cautiously or avoid it altogether.

These include people with:

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Chronic kidney disease
• Certain digestive disorders
• Liver conditions such as jaundice

Doctors generally recommend limiting intake to no more than two teaspoons a day, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.

Health Risks of Adulterated Food

Food adulteration involves the deliberate addition of inferior or harmful substances to food products, compromising their quality and safety.

According to a 2024 study published in SAGE Open Medicine, consuming adulterated food may increase the risk of:

• Cancer
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Cardiac failure
• Lathyrism
• Nervous system disorders
• Allergic reactions

The study notes that children, pregnant women and older adults are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of adulterated food.

India has approved its first plant-based Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) ingredient, a move that could expand options for food fortification and dietary supplements while addressing the country's widespread Vitamin D deficiency.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has cleared VITADEE Green, developed by Fermenta Biotech,for use in health supplements, nutraceuticals and food products.

The company stated that the ingredient is produced using an India-patented process and offers a sustainable, scalable and vegetarian-friendly source of Vitamin D3.

Plant-Based Vitamin D3: Why The Approval Matters

The approval allows Indian manufacturers to incorporate the ingredient into fortified foods, beverages and dietary supplements.

It is particularly significant for vegetarians and vegans, who have traditionally had limited access to Vitamin D3 because most supplements are derived from lanolin, a by-product of sheep's wool.

The approval also supports India's broader efforts to improve nutrition through food fortification, an area where experts say Vitamin D remains a major gap.

Studies suggest a large proportion of Indians have inadequate Vitamin D levels despite abundant sunlight, largely due to urban lifestyles, limited outdoor exposure and reduced sun exposure.

"Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health concern in India, and the demand for sustainable nutrition continues to grow rapidly. The FSSAI approval allows us to bring VITADEE Green directly to Indian food fortification and nutraceutical manufacturers, helping bridge the nutrition gap for the country's large population," said Prashant Nagre, Managing Director, Fermenta Biotech.

For India's large vegetarian population, the approval also brings a domestically manufactured, regulatory-approved plant-source Vitamin D3 to the market.

What Is Vitamin D3?

Vitamin D3, often called the "sunshine vitamin," is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

It helps the body absorb calcium, maintain healthy bones and teeth, and lowers the risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can lead to rickets, while in adults it increases the risk of osteoporosis, muscle weakness and falls.

Beyond bone health, Vitamin D3 also supports immune function. Research suggests low Vitamin D levels may be associated with increased susceptibility to infections and higher levels of inflammation.

India Faces Widespread Vitamin D Deficiency

Despite abundant sunshine, Vitamin D deficiency is common across India. Experts attribute this to long hours spent indoors, limited outdoor activity, sunscreen use, ageing and diets naturally low in Vitamin D.

Low Vitamin D levels can lead to weak bones, muscle weakness and an increased risk of fractures. In children, severe deficiency can cause rickets, while inadequate levels have also been linked to poorer immune function.

"Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health concern in India, and the demand for sustainable nutrition continues to grow rapidly," said Prashant Nagre, Managing Director of Fermenta Biotech.

Is Plant-based Vitamin D3 Better?

Doctors say no—not in terms of effectiveness.

Dr. Murtaza S. Bagwala, Head of Emergency Medical Services at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that current evidence shows plant-based Vitamin D3 raises Vitamin D levels just as effectively as conventional supplements.

"Based on current science, plant-based Vitamin D3 is comparable to conventional Vitamin D3 supplements. For most people, it is a good alternative if they prefer a plant-based product," he said.

Dr. Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained that plant-derived Vitamin D3—typically sourced from lichen, algae or newer fermentation technologies—offers an animal-free option without compromising efficacy.

"It is good news for consumers who prefer vegan products, but both forms are equally effective. There is no medical reason for people to switch if they are already taking conventional Vitamin D3," he said in a post on X.

Who Should Take Vitamin D3 Supplements?

The experts said the key question is whether supplementation is needed, not whether the source is plant- or animal-derived.

"The source matters mainly for ethical, dietary or personal preference—not for efficacy," Dr. Sudhir said.

Dr. Bagwala cautioned against taking high-dose Vitamin D without medical advice, as excessive intake can raise calcium levels and increase the risk of kidney stones and other complications.

Doctors recommend that supplementation should be based on:

• Blood test results

• Age

• Existing medical conditions

• Medical advice