desk
Share
News Topical, Digital Desk : Today's changing lifestyles have profoundly affected the health of children and teenagers around the world. Diseases like obesity and diabetes, once seen only in adults, are now affecting younger children as well. Recent research in the United States has offered a new solution. Researchers say a drug called Mounjaro can help control type 2 diabetes in children as young as 10 years old.
Why is diabetes increasing in children?
Type 2 diabetes used to be called "adult-onset diabetes," meaning it was only found in older adults. But the picture has changed in the last two decades. According to the US Department of Health (CDC), in 2002, approximately 9 out of every 100,000 children had type 2 diabetes. By 2018, this figure had doubled to 18.
If this pace continues, experts believe the number of children with diabetes in the United States could increase from 28,000 to nearly 220,000 by 2060. This poses a significant challenge not only to families but to the entire healthcare system.
The main reasons behind this growing threat are:
- High intake of junk food and sugary drinks
- lack of physical activity
- Spending long hours on mobile and TV
- Rising rates of childhood obesity
How does this medicine work?
Monjaro is a GLP-1-based medication. It activates hormones in the body that regulate blood sugar levels and reduce appetite. This also helps with weight loss.
A recent study found that Monjaro had:
- Significantly reduced HbA1C levels (average blood sugar).
- BMI (body mass index) was controlled.
- And also improved other heart-related risk factors.
Most importantly, its side effects are similar to those previously seen in adults, meaning it may prove relatively safe for children as well.
Do not ignore these symptoms
Early detection of type 2 diabetes in children is crucial. Some common symptoms include:
- frequent thirst and urination
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- delayed wound healing
- frequent infections
- blurred vision
Parents should not take these signs lightly and consult a doctor immediately.
Timely treatment and prevention are essential
Untreated childhood diabetes increases the risk of many serious diseases later in life, such as:
- heart disease
- Kidney failure
- nerve damage
- Effect on eyesight
That is why experts believe that it is very important to control diabetes in children at an early stage.
The danger is increasing in India too
Although this research is based in the United States, India is no exception. In recent years, obesity and diabetes have risen sharply among children and adolescents in India. The easy availability of junk and fast food in urban areas, a lack of sports, and poor lifestyles are pushing children toward diabetes.
Simple ways to prevent diabetes
To prevent diabetes in children, adopting a healthy lifestyle is more important than medication. A few simple steps can help:
- Engage in physical activity or sports for at least 1 hour daily
- Keeping children away from packaged food, junk food, and sugary drinks
- Providing a balanced and nutritious home-cooked diet
- Developing healthy eating and exercise habits as a family
- Getting your child's blood sugar tested periodically
The research on Monjaro has raised new hopes in the medical world. If this drug is officially approved for use in children, it would be a major breakthrough in the treatment of type 2 diabetes . However, experts also believe that lifestyle modifications, along with medication, are the real solutions.
Read More: These 10 factors trigger migraines; identify them early to avoid an attack.
--Advertisement--
