Observing World Diabetes Day and Children's Day, The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex body, organized a webinar on ''Diabetes Free India'' in response to the growing cases of diabetes in children. Eminent experts shed insights on ways to tackle this issue.  The webinar, which is a part of the Illness to Wellness initiative, highlighted the growing risk of being obese and diabetes in children.

Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM CSR Council, in his welcome address said, “Diabetes is one of the fastest growing health risks in India. Our country is home to nearly 80 million diabetics and this number is expected to rise to a staggering 134 million in the next 25 years. Therefore, it is imperative that all stakeholders should come together and focus on addressing this challenge head on”

Highlighting the risk factors for diabetes, he said, “sedentary lifestyle of adults, and in particular, children brings with it a host of health risks. Therefore, it’s the duty of individuals, parents and caregivers to take requisite steps and provide adequate care for healthy weight management which includes daily exercising, eating a nutritious diet along with proper sleep and mental stimulation.”

Dr. Anoop Misra, Chairman, fortis- C-DOC centre of Excellence for Diabetes, metabolic Diseases and Endocrinology, Chairman, National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N- DOC), President, Diabetes Foundation (India) DFI shared his insights on how the goal towards Diabetes Free India should be below 5% cases. Focusing on children and primordial prevention will cut down the prevalence. Educating and creating awareness is the need of the hour for a better tomorrow and prevention, he noted. All stakeholders should join together for multi component intervention to improve insulin levels in all diabetic patients, he added.

According to Dr. Brij Mohan Makkar, Senior Diabetes & Bariatric Physician and Director, Dr. Makkar’s Diabetes and Obesity centre, New Delhi, Insulin is the lifesaving drug in terms of diabetes and the impact is physiological, he said. Obesity and overweight are the major concerns for diabetes as abnormal excessive amount of fat gets accumulated in the human body which is harmful for the metabolism, he highlighted. With preventive measures a diabetic person can achieve 10-15% of normal glucose levels as diabetes remission is possible.

Dr. Sumeet Arora, Consultant Paediatric Endocrinology, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram threw light on calculating body mass index from the early years in child to regulate any symptoms. Preparing growth charts will provide easy detection, she said. There is a significant increase in Diabetes to 15% in children after pandemic.

While moderating the discussion, Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director Total Care Control, Delhi – NCR EC Member, RSSDI concluded by stating, “Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern for our youth in India. What was once considered an adult disease is now becoming more common in children within the age group of 10 to 18 years old. Though, it is preventable and reversible if it is treated in time.