10% of Indian youth pre-diabetic: Dr. Sachin Mittal
“Diabetes which was earlier a disease of the elderly is today threatening our young ones so much so that 10 percent of Indian youth between 10 and 19 years are prediabetic, said, Dr. Sachin Mittal, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist – Fortis Hospital, Mohali.
The country is home to 97,000 Type-1 diabetic children and a rising number of children with Type-2 diabetes. These statistics necessitate creating awareness among school children about diabetes, prediabetes, causes, prevention and a healthy lifestyle that will save them from falling prey to this deadly disease. He was speaking at Millennium School, Mohali which organized a workshop for its students on the topic of ‘Wellness Diet & Activities to prevent Diabetes’. The objective of the workshop was to create awareness about the factors contributing to the growing burden of diabetes in India.
In this workshop he talked about how carelessness about diet and physical activities in the growing years puts children at risk of diabetes in their young age. The rising obesity rate in North India is one major factor leading to diabetes. He specifically talked about the diet of adolescents which should have more protein, fiber and good but owing to imitation of western lifestyle, Indian children are consuming diets rich in sugar, salt, and fat in the form of burgers, pizzas, french fries and aerated drinks. He encouraged the students to take up some sports and play games in the field rather than indoor games.
10% of Indian youth pre-diabetic: Dr. Sachin Mittal
“Awareness among children is crucial, because this is the age where foundation of a healthy lifestyle is laid. Moreover, children need to be told that diabetes never comes alone; it brings with it different complications like diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetic foot syndrome. The more awareness we create; the healthier our future is, said Dr. Mittal while conversing with the students. He also talked about diet management and care for Type 1 Diabetes children. The workshop was attended by over 200 students.
