Guwahati: Diabetes is increasingly affecting children and adolescents in Assam, with doctors reporting cases among those below 18 and, in some instances, even before the age of 10.On the eve of World Diabetes Day, doctors warned that sedentary lifestyles, rising abdominal obesity, unhealthy diets and excessive screen time were putting younger people at greater risk of developing diabetes — often without obvious symptoms.This year’s theme, “Early Action on Diabetes,” underscores the need for timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications and improve quality of life.“The theme is particularly important because Type 2 diabetes, traditionally associated with adults, is influenced by genetic predisposition, lifestyle and dietary habits. It is developing even before the age of 18 and, in some cases we have seen here before 10 years of age. Therefore, identifying the risk early and taking preventive measures during childhood and adolescence are essential,” said Prof Ashok Krishna Bhuyan, head of the department of endocrinology at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).Bhuyan said abdominal obesity was emerging as a major risk factor among young people. He noted that individuals could accumulate excess fat around the abdomen without appearing visibly overweight, increasing their vulnerability to metabolic disorders.“Lack of physical activity and exercise among young people, coupled with increasing screen time, is contributing to obesity and raising their risk of developing diabetes,” Prof Bhuyan said.Diabetologist Dr Nasimur Riaz attributed the rise in diabetes among children and teenagers to changes in daily habits.“Years ago, kids spent hours playing outside. Today, mobile phones, video games, and TV keep them sitting indoors. At the same time, sugary drinks, fast food, and packaged snacks have replaced simple, home-cooked meals,” he added.He said, “When children eat too much sugar and junk food without enough physical movement, their bodies struggle to handle the extra sugar in their blood.”Over time, he added, the combination of unhealthy food and inadequate physical activity could lead to weight gain and Type 2 diabetes.“If left unchecked, diabetes in young people can cause serious problems for their heart, eyes, and kidneys later in life,” Dr Riaz said.Bhuyan said doctors in Guwahati and at GMCH were increasingly treating patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Cases of kidney disease linked to diabetes had also risen, he said, highlighting the consequences of delayed diagnosis and poor blood sugar control.The growing burden is reflected in hospital consultations and admissions. The GMCH endocrinology department has recorded a 30-40% rise in patient inflow in both its outpatient and inpatient facilities, with diabetes accounting for a significant share of cases, Bhuyan said.
