How This Everyday Habit Is Increasing Diabetes In Teenagers

In the United States, teenage diabetes is on the rise, posing serious challenges for adolescents and their families. As per the National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020, more than 210,000 children and teenagers less than 20 years of age living with diagnosed diabetes are accounted for. Here also, though the Type 1 diabetes is more prevalent, the incidence of Type 2 diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, majorly due to lifestyle causes. This article dwells on why teenagers are increasingly becoming diabetic-a contribution of diabetes amongst teenagers-particularly due to improper dietary and increased sugar diet.

Type 1 Diabetes: Also called juvenile diabetes, it occurs when the pancreas fails to produce insulin, which is known as a hormone that regulates the sugar inside the blood. Even though Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in people less than 20 years old with an average of about 13 years. The general treatment is lifelong insulin therapy, monitoring of blood sugar, and specific and meticulous management of diet and exercise.

Type 2 Diabetes: Once considered an adult-onset condition, Type 2 diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed in teenagers. This type occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas does not produce enough of it. Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes develops gradually and is closely linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits. Alarming is the fact that the annual rates of Type 2 diabetes in young people are increasing by 4.8% compared to 1.8% for Type 1 diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Warning Signs of Diabetes in Teens

Poor diet habits is the most important reason behind this increase in teenage diabetes, emphasises Dr. Dheeraj Kapoor, Endocrinologist. "High sugar consumption with an inadequacy of nutrient-rich foods will create a perfect storm for insulin resistance and weight gain, two of the biggest risk factors for Type 2 diabetes," he adds.

High Intake of Sugar: Today, teens are consuming too much sugar by consuming lots of sugary drinks, processed foods, and sugary cereals. These foods cause:

• Consuming excessive calories with minimal nutrients results in obesity, which is the most significant predisposing factor to Type 2 diabetes.
• Multiple severe spikes in sugar cause excessive insulin resistance as time progresses.

Nutritional Deficiency: Lack of fruits, vegetable, and grain-based diets eliminate the body's intake of several nutrients such as fiber and antioxidant, which prevent blood sugar irregularities. Irregular glucose regulation leads to causing diabetes.

Presence of early sign of diabetes "4 Ts", which are defined by experts while identifying in youngsters and teenagers makes it possible preventing complications and optimizing outcomes.

Toilets: Excessive urination or bedwetting for a while after staying dry.

Thirsty: Insatiable thirst despite the intake of fluids.

Tired: Fatigue that is constant and not energetic.

Thinner: Weight loss that has no known cause.

Hunger, irritability, blurring of vision, and, in the case of Type 1 diabetes, fruity smell in the breath. Parents must be alert to these symptoms and refer a child to a health provider when they suspect diabetes.

Also Read: Don’t Ignore The ‘Weird’ Symptoms Of Infections , They Could Mean Diabetes

Lifestyle Changes Parents Can Do To Help Teens Prevent Diabetes

Preventing Type 2 diabetes in adolescents will be multi-dimensional with diet, exercise, and behavioral modifications. Here are some steps that parents can implement:

Healthy Eating Habits

• Ban Overeating Habits: Eat meals at the table with portion-controlled plates.
• Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Replace soda and energy drinks with low-fat dairy or water.
• Introduce Nutrient-Dense Foods: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in meals.
• Read Nutrition Labels: Select foods that are higher in fiber and lower in added sugars.

Promote Physical Activity

Physical activity should be an everyday part of the life of teenagers. At least 60 minutes of physical activity should be aimed for each day. This includes:

• Team sports such as soccer or basketball.
• Outdoor play such as bike riding or jump rope.
• Other forms of planned exercise, including yoga or dancing.

Decrease Screen Time

Time spent on screens in excess contributes to a sedentary lifestyle, which in turn increases the risk for obesity. Limit gaming, movies, etc. for recreation to two hours a day and strive for active pursuits instead.

Lead by Example

Parents play a primary role in developing their children's habit. Modeling a healthy lifestyle by eating balanced meals and staying active can inspire teenagers to do the same.

Managing Diabetes Effectively

For teenagers already diagnosed with diabetes, management is also important to avoid complications. Some of these measures include the following:

• Regular checking of blood sugar levels
• Taking prescription insulin or drugs
• Following proper diet and exercises
• Visiting healthcare providers to create specific treatment plans.

The alarming increase of diabetes in children and adolescents presents a strong rationale for raising more awareness and providing preventive measures. The root causes of this scourge are the excessive intake of sugars and bad diets. But in the event that early detection leads to a life of change of lifestyle, one can still counter the trend while ensuring health protection for the following generations. Dr. Kapoor thus aptly says, "A healthy diet and adequate exercise are not just preventive measures; they are investments in a lifetime of health."

Dr Dheeraj Kapoor is a Endocrinologist and Chief Endocrinology at Artemis Hospitals in India

Five Evidence-Based Lifestyle Habits People With Diabetes Can Use. Clin Diabetes. 2020

National Diabetes Statistics Report. CDC. 2024

Rates of new diagnosed cases of type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the rise among children, teens. NIH. 2017