Child Health Tips:  Diabetes in Children and Hypertension i.e. High Blood Pressure in Children, both these diseases are very serious and dangerous. Usually there are no special symptoms of these, but the damage caused by them can prove to be very fatal. Therefore, it is better to prevent these diseases. However, nowadays their cases are increasing rapidly and are not limited to adults only, but are also affecting children.

Due to this, children's health can be badly affected, the consequences of which they may have to suffer throughout their life. Let us tell you that both these diseases can make you their victim due to unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, to protect children from these diseases, you should keep some things in mind. Let's know about this from Dr. Shreya Dubey (Consultant of Neonatology and Pediatrics Department of CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram).

What happens in diabetes and hypertension?

• Diabetes- This is a condition in which the body is unable to produce the right amount of insulin or is unable to use it properly. Due to this, the blood sugar level starts increasing rapidly. There are two types of it- Type-1 and Type-2. In Type-1, the insulin hormone is not produced in the body, while in Type-2, insulin resistance increases, due to which the cells are unable to use it.
• Hypertension- It is also called high blood pressure. It is a condition in which there is too much pressure on the blood vessels. This increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure can also cause many heart diseases.

Causes of childhood diabetes and high blood pressure

• Genetic factor- If someone in the family has diabetes or high blood pressure, then the risk of the child also getting it increases.
• Unhealthy Diet- Eating too much sweet, salty and fatty foods increases obesity, which is the main cause of diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Lack of physical activities- Nowadays children spend most of their time playing mobile or computer games, which reduces their physical activity. This can lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor for diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Obesity- Obesity is the biggest risk factor for diabetes and high blood pressure.

How to protect children from diabetes and high blood pressure?

• Healthy Diet - It is very important to feed children a healthy and balanced diet. Which includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, yogurt etc. Also, teach them to avoid junk food, sweets and soft drinks .
• Physical Activity- Children should do any physical activity for at least 1 hour daily . Such as running, jumping, playing etc. This will improve their blood circulation and also reduce the risk of obesity.
• Healthy weight- Children should have a weight according to their age and height. If the child is obese, he should consult a doctor to maintain a healthy weight.
• Regular health checkup- Get children's health checked regularly, so that any disease can be detected and treated early.
• Reduce stress- Try to provide a stress-free environment to children. Stress not only harms their physical health but also their mental health.
• Adequate sleep- Children should have 8-10 hours of sleep daily.