Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Nov 25: The prevalence of diabetes in Karnataka is rising alarmingly, with cases now being detected in children as young as three years old. Shockingly, six out of every ten adolescents in the state are affected by this chronic disease.

Type 1 diabetes is congenital, while Type 2 develops later in life. Currently, 90 to 95% of diabetic cases are Type 2. Previously, diabetes was considered a condition affecting individuals over 50. However, instances of Type 2 diabetes in three-year-old children are now being reported. Additionally, the number of individuals aged 20 to 30 diagnosed with diabetes is steadily increasing.

According to the National Programme for Control of Diabetes (NPCD), 30 to 45 percent of patients visiting doctors in Karnataka are diagnosed with diabetes. Over the past five to six years, diabetes has been increasingly observed in children. A lack of physical activity, coupled with excessive screen time on TVs and mobiles, contributes to weight gain, leading to diabetes, says paediatrician Dr Satish Shankar.

In the last three months alone, Karnataka has reported over one lakh new diabetes cases, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The state has risen from sixth to third place in terms of diabetes prevalence among Indian states.

Dr Satish Shankar advises parents to consult a doctor if children display symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, abdominal pain, vomiting, or recurrent fevers. Early detection of Type 1 diabetes is crucial, as delayed diagnosis can lead to severe complications, including coma.