Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 21: Parents across households often warn their children, “No more sweets or you’ll get diabetes,” but medical experts say this long-held belief is far from accurate. In a detailed interaction with The Times of India, Dr Amit Gupta, Senior Consultant – Paediatrician and Neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida, shed light on the real reasons behind the growing number of diabetes cases among children—reasons that go far beyond the dessert plate.

Dr Gupta explained that childhood diabetes is a much deeper and more complex condition than simply eating chocolates or pastries. Type 1 diabetes, he said, develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, and sugar consumption has no role in triggering it. He pointed out that genetics and family history stand as major contributors to the condition. A landmark 2003 study published in the journal Diabetes also reinforced this connection by revealing that children with a family history of diabetes show increased fasting insulin levels and higher chances of insulin resistance.

The doctor noted that Type 2 diabetes, once seen almost exclusively among adults, is now steadily rising in children. The reasons, he said, are rooted in modern lifestyle patterns—hours spent glued to screens, reduced outdoor activity and a growing fondness for processed, high-calorie foods. A two-year study involving 630 children published in JAMA Pediatrics further indicated that increased body fat strongly predicts declining insulin sensitivity even in youngsters.

Dr Gupta clarified that diabetes does not require children to completely give up their favourite foods. Moderation, balanced portions and a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits and lean proteins can help children enjoy a healthy lifestyle without fear. Sugary drinks, he warned, should be kept to a minimum.

He stressed the importance of encouraging physical activity, limiting daily screen time and creating a healthy food environment at home. Regular medical screening becomes especially important for families with a history of diabetes. Parents, he said, must also be attentive to early signs such as excessive thirst, weight loss or fatigue and approach these symptoms without panic.

The paediatric expert encouraged parents to talk to children about diabetes in an age-appropriate and reassuring manner, helping them understand that the condition stems from the way the body manages insulin—not from an occasional sweet treat.

As lifestyle-related challenges grow, Dr Gupta urged families to shift focus from fear to awareness. Diabetes, he reminded, is not merely a sugar issue but a complex interplay of genes, habits and metabolic health. With informed choices and timely action, parents can help their children lead healthier, active and diabetes-aware lives.