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Children Are Becoming Prone To Diabetes: Tips To Inculcate Healthy Eating Habits In Them

Diabetes is largely preventable and for prevention to be successful we must start young.

Written by Longjam Dineshwori | Updated : June 7, 2022 1:47 PM IST

Diabetes In Children

We are witnessing an increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes among children, thanks to the poor lifestyle choices and unhealthy eating habits. In India, an estimated 10 per cent of children as young as 5 years of age are pre-diabetic, according to Dr. Nalini Saligram – Founder & CEO, Arogya World. Arogya World is a US-based global health non-profit organization working to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs), through health education and lifestyle change. According to Dr. Saligram, some factors contributing to increased diabetes rates among children in India include modern sedentary lifestyles, increasing dependence on convenience foods, and widespread availability of cheap unhealthy foods. “Diabetes is largely preventable and for prevention to be successful we must start young,” she stated. To reduce the risk of getting diabetes, children should be taught the value of right eating and encouraged to follow healthy lifestyle habits. Dr. Saligram suggested that children should be taught the following healthy eating habits to prevent diabetes.

Avoid Refined Sugars And Flour

Consume whole grains and millets like whole wheat atta, maize, bajra, jowar, ragi and avoid refined sugars and flour (maida).

Take Note Of The Portion Size

We need to understand that the kids’ needs are higher than the adults as they are in the growing phase, hence it is important to know their portion sizes to fulfill their nutritional needs.

No Control Over The Portion Size

We often don’t realize it but end up eating a lot more than we usually do while talking to our family and friends. So, to prevent yourself from mindless eating, take smaller quantities of food at a time and chew it very well. Also, if possible, try to find a place to sit while eating, rather than to stand, so that you are mindful of what and how much you are eating. Also Read - Digestive Health: 8 Health Complications Resulting From Indigestion

Limit Intake Deep Fried Food Items

It is recommended to reduce deep fried items – poori, bhatura, pakoda, samosa namkeen, etc. These are rich in fats and salts which can lead to obesity and high blood pressure.

Drink 2 Glasses Of Milk Everyday

For children, it is important to drink 2 glasses of milk every day or include curd, buttermilk, lassi in their meals to meet their protein and calcium needs for strong bones.

Stay Hydrated

It is important to drink adequate water to stay hydrated and fresh all day.