Why Worry About Kids?

Indian children are now developing diabetes in their teens. The root? Junk food, screen

time, sugary drinks, inactivity.

Top Risk Factors

-Family history of diabetes

-Overweight (BMI-for-age > 85th percentile)

-Sedentary lifestyle (<1 hr play/day)

-PCOS in girls

Prevention Plan for Parents

AgeGroup Key Recommendations

2–6 years No added sugar; play at least 1 hr/day

6–12 years Screen time < 2 hrs/day; family meals, not gadgets

Teenagers Discuss body image, avoid crash diets, promote movement

Practical Tips

-Replace chips with roasted chana or makhana

-Water instead of soft drinks

-Celebrate with activities, not sweets

-Family walk after dinner

Take-Home Messages:

Childhood is the best time to prevent adult diabetes. One small change a day, together as a

family, makes all the difference.

References: ISPAD Guidelines 2024, ADA 2025, Indian Academy of Pediatrics

Genetic Risk Isn’t a Life Sentence

If one parent has type 2 diabetes, your lifetime risk is ~40%. If both do, it goes up to ~70%.

But lifestyle trumps genes.

What You Can Do

Strategy Action Item

-Stay active ≥150 min/week moderate exercise

-Avoid central obesity Waist &lt;90 cm (men), &lt;80 cm (women)

-Eat smart Cut sugars, refined carbs, and junk food

-Sleep and stress Aim 7 hrs/night, manage anxiety

-Annual testing Start screening at age 30 or earlier if overweight

Risk Scores:

Use the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) to track your risk — free and simple to calculate.

Patient Story:

Ramesh saw his father lose a leg to diabetes complications. Terrified, he took charge —

began walking daily, cut his sugar intake, and shed 10 kg. At 37, his sugars remain normal,

and he’s become an example in his family.

Take-Home Messages:

Family history is the warning bell — not the final word. You can stop diabetes before it

starts.

References: RSSDI 2024, ADA 2025, Endocrine Society of India