There really is no saying which child can be born diabetic. But in recent times the disorder has become more prominent among the young. Earlier considered hereditary, Diabetes is catching a lot of families completely unawares. More babies are found to lack insulin than they did a decade ago. Sugar build-up in their blood is high, and they are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. These children need regular insulin from external sources to control sugar levels in their bodies. While it can be controlled, diabetes makes children more prone to diseases, they get more tired than normal kids and their vital organs degenerate quicker than those of other kids.
Falling prey
Today, our country has more than 10 lakh juvenile diabetics in the urban and rural areas. Many of them go undiagnosed for years. When it does get diagnosed, it may be too late, because organ degeneration has already begun. It is a disease of development. Earlier it struck older people. But today, diabetes is getting young people too. Many of them are facing risks due to ‘modern' eating habits. Read: sugar. Even a couple of colas or soft drinks or even iced teas a day can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by a whopping 26 per cent. Not helping either are the chemicals we ply into our foods. There is growing need to go organic – back to Nature. “Do you think your children will have a better life than you?”
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This simple question is often posed to groups across the globe. Even as recently as five years ago, people did not hesitate. Their reply was a bold, brave, resounding ‘YES'.
Take charge
Two years ago, when the question was asked, for the first time, after a little hesitation the answer became ‘no'. In the recent past, diabetes too has been attacking younger people like you. Often, when a possible problem like this looms, we imagine it will only attack others, not us. Till it happens. To us.
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Taking control of our lives really helps. We need to be conscious of what we eat, instead of mindlessly dumping junk into our bodies. It is really not that hard, provided you want to do it. Seriously. It does not take much. In fact, just following the tips above will help reduce the risk you face many fold.
Minimise risks
Reduce portion size: Eat only as much as your body needs. Don't fill your stomach to bursting full. It will make you feel sluggish and sick.
Go organic: Ask for organically grown vegetables. Build up a demand for them, make organic a way of life. Our ancestors did it, 80% of India does it in the rural areas. Why can't we?
Move it: Your body, I mean. Take time to exercise. At least five times a week. Be creative with your movement ideas. If you feel like a swim one day, a walk the next and dancing on another, go with the flow. No need to stick to one particular fitness regimen all your life. Variety works wonders with the body as well. Surprise it, and it will give you a healthy smile, minus synthetic sweetness.
Say no to sweets: Cut those unnecessary calories and that absolutely atrocious sugar. Instead use sweeteners like jaggery to give your beverages healthy sweetness. Snack on fruits and nuts instead of fried stuff that fattens you up, inviting unwanted diseases. If you can, replace one meal, preferably dinner, with a soup and salad. It is easy to make and easy to digest
Ten minutes is all you need to relax and do some conscious breathing every day. That way, you will tune into your body, and mind. Stress levels will reduce. Your body will stay away from maladies like type 2 diabetes
With inputs from the Score Clubs team.