Diabetes in Children on the Rise

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

An elementary school student in South Tangerang, Banten takes part in physical education, sports and health in the school field, Thursday (1/24/2019). Sport is one of the outdoor activities at school that can control obesity in children.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS—Most children with type 2 diabetes are found to suffer also from obesity or overweight. The risk of diabetes in children must be closely monitored along with the development of the modern lifestyle, which is characterized by unhealthy eating patterns and lack of physical activity.

The chairman of the Endocrinology Coordinating Work Unit of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI), Muhammad Faizi, said during the “Diabetes in Children" media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday (1/2/2023) that that cases of type 2 diabetes were on the rise among children. The children who suffered from diabetes were also younger. From the reports the IDAI had received, children who suffered from type 2 diabetes were generally around 6 years old.

“Type 2 diabetes is closely related to lifestyle. Usually, type 2 diabetes is found in overweight children. Other signs that are also seen in children with diabetes are usually dark patches of skin on the nape and in the armpits. This is often misinterpreted as dirt, even though it is a sign that a child has diabetes," he said.

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Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by a chronic increase in above-normal levels of blood sugar. It happens because of disruptions to the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas. Insulin resistance can cause some areas of the skin in children to turn dark, such as in the armpits and on the nape.

A study of children aged 12-14 years in Bali found that at least 3 percent of 431 children had type 2 diabetes. Of that number, as much as 76.9 percent was overweight. Therefore, the risk of diabetes in overweight children needs attention.

IVAN DWI KURNIA PUTRA

A sachet drink sold at one of the itinerant coffee vendors on Jalan Cikini, Central Jakarta, Monday (11/14/2022). Consumption of sweet foods and drinks with high sugar content is one of the triggers for diabetes.

Obesity has become a global public health epidemic. The rise in reported cases is accelerating. Reports of chronic diseases associated with obesity, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure, are also increasing.

The sad news about Titi Wati (42), a patient with extreme obesity from Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, should be a lesson to be learned together. Obesity is a serious problem that also needs more attention amid the issue of stunting, which the government has prioritized.

Prevention

Preventive measures must be taken. Diabetes mellitus can be inherited. If one parent has diabetes, their child has a 30 percent risk of developing diabetes. The risk increases to 60 percent if both parents have diabetes.

However, the risk of developing the disease is more influenced by lifestyle. Therefore, the risk of diabetes can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle.

“The easiest way to prevent type 2 diabetes in children is to reduce unhealthy lifestyles. Children must be more physically active for at least 30 to 60 minutes per day, reduce screen time, which increased during the pandemic, and limit the intake of carbohydrates and sweet foods or drinks. Pursue a balanced lifestyle," said Faizi.

The easiest way to prevent type 2 diabetes in children is to reduce unhealthy lifestyles.

Meanwhile, IDAI chairman Piprim Basarah Yanuarso said the increase in type 2 diabetes cases in younger children should be watched. The increasing number of children suffering from type 2 diabetes shows the extent of the influence of modern lifestyles on public health. The changing diet is one of the influential factors.

Therefore, children should be fed more animal protein as well as vegetables, which can help children feel full longer. That way, children would not consume too many snacks that are high in sugar and salt.

This article was translated by Hendarsyah Tarmizi