Chennai: Healthcare professionals are reporting a steady rise in the number of children diagnosed with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, particularly in urban areas such as Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai. Experts attribute the increase to unhealthy lifestyles, rising childhood obesity, poor dietary habits, reduced physical activity and increased screen time, while emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and timely management.

Understanding childhood diabetes

Doctors explain that childhood diabetes mainly occurs in two forms.

Type 1 diabetes develops when the body stops producing insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy to regulate blood sugar levels.

In Type 2 diabetes, the body continues to produce insulin but cannot use it effectively. Once considered a condition affecting adults, Type 2 diabetes is now increasingly being diagnosed in children, largely due to obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Lifestyle factors driving the increase

Health experts say several lifestyle changes have contributed to the growing number of childhood diabetes cases in India.

Key risk factors include:

  • Frequent consumption of junk food and sugary drinks.
  • Lack of outdoor games and physical exercise.
  • Increased screen time on mobile phones, television and gaming devices.
  • Poor eating habits and irregular meal timings.
  • Inadequate sleep.
  • Rising rates of childhood obesity.

Experts warn that these habits can significantly increase a child’s risk of developing Type 2 diabetes at an early age.

Importance of early diagnosis

Doctors stress that recognising symptoms early can help prevent serious complications.

Parents, teachers and caregivers are advised to watch for common warning signs such as:

  • Excessive thirst.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Sudden weight loss.
  • Increased hunger.
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Blurred vision.

Experts caution that these symptoms are often mistaken for minor illnesses, delaying diagnosis.

Untreated diabetes can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition that requires emergency medical care.

Managing Type 1 diabetes

According to diabetes specialists, children with Type 1 diabetes often experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels due to irregular eating patterns, illness, growth spurts and changes in daily routines.

Modern diabetes technologies, including insulin pumps used alongside Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems, help deliver insulin more accurately and improve blood sugar control.

These devices can also reduce episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). However, experts note that their high cost limits access for many families in India.

Challenges faced by children

Managing diabetes involves both medical and emotional challenges.

Children often require:

  • Multiple insulin injections or insulin pump therapy.
  • Regular blood sugar monitoring.
  • Periodic medical check-ups.
  • Carefully planned diets.

In addition, many children experience anxiety, stress, fear of low blood sugar episodes, reduced self-confidence and feelings of being different from their peers.

Experts say diabetes management can be emotionally demanding for both children and their families.

Need for better paediatric diabetes care

Although major cities have access to advanced healthcare facilities, experts point out that many families in rural and semi-urban areas continue to face barriers in accessing specialised paediatric diabetes care.

Common challenges include:

  • Shortage of paediatric diabetologists.
  • High cost of insulin and glucose-monitoring devices.
  • Limited availability of trained diabetes educators.
  • Inadequate counselling and emotional support.
  • Financial burden on families.

Improving affordability and access to specialised diabetes services remains a priority, healthcare professionals say.

Technology improving diabetes management

Advances in diabetes care are helping children manage the condition more effectively.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices enable real-time monitoring of blood sugar levels and reduce the need for repeated finger-prick testing.

These systems help detect sudden glucose fluctuations, improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Dietitians also play an important role by preparing personalised meal plans based on a child’s age, activity level, dietary preferences and glucose patterns.

Community awareness is essential

Experts stress that successful diabetes management requires support from parents, schools and healthcare providers.

Teachers and school staff should be trained to recognise and respond to episodes of low or high blood sugar, while children with diabetes should feel safe, supported and included in school activities.

Healthcare professionals say greater awareness, healthy lifestyle habits, regular physical activity, early diagnosis and improved access to specialised care can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life.

With timely treatment, emotional support and community awareness, children living with diabetes can lead healthy, active and fulfilling lives.