Diabetes is a disease of childhood habits; the fight against it must start from school, Pg17

Key Highlights:

• A recent article highlights the alarming rise of Type 2 diabetes and obesity in Indian children, linking it to poor childhood habits.
• The ICMR-INDIAB study estimates 101 million people in India live with diabetes and 136 million with pre-diabetes.
• The National Family Health Survey indicates one in four children aged 5-9 years is overweight.
• The article advocates for schools to be the primary battleground against these health issues, emphasizing the formation of healthy habits during school hours.
• It proposes five key habits: breakfast, water, millet and fruit consumption, physical movement, and adequate sleep.
• The World Food Day theme "Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow" is cited, urging innovation in classrooms for better health outcomes.

Diabetes Crisis.jpg

Detailed Insights:

• Over 50% of urban adolescents' diets consist of ultra-processed foods, contributing to the early onset of health problems.
• Approximately 70% of adult Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rooted in habits formed before the age of 15.
• Data shows nearly a third of urban Indian children skip breakfast, making them 40% more likely to be overweight.
• India has seen over 300% growth in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among adolescents in a decade.
• Only 18% of Indian adolescents meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, as per a study in The Lancet.
• Average sleep for 12-13-year-olds is 6.5 hours, significantly less than the required 8-9 hours, impacting insulin resistance.
• The National Education Policy 2020 is mentioned for its focus on foundational literacy and numeracy, but a gap in wellbeing education is noted.
• The direct economic burden of diabetes alone is projected to exceed $90 billion by 2033.
• The WHO suggests that every rupee invested in school health and nutrition yields 16 rupees in healthcare savings and productivity.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Type 2 Diabetes: A chronic condition affecting how the body processes blood sugar (glucose), often linked to lifestyle factors.
• Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs): Chronic diseases that are not passed from person to person, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases.
• National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020): A comprehensive framework by the Government of India to guide the development of education in the country.
• World Food Day: An international day celebrated annually on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.