Mr Chima Adindu of Apex Diabetics Centre in Jos, has attributed the rise in Type 2 diabetes in children to change in diet and sedentary lifestyle.
Adindu, also secretary of the Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Plateau chapter said this at a free diabetes screening for Senior Secondary students of Edu-care High School in Jos on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the screening was organised by the association.
According to him, Type 1 diabetes is usually what is seen in children due to the child’s body immune system which fights harmful bacteria and viruses and mistakenly destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas.
“Type 2 diabetes occur mostly in adults, but the saying reverse is the case now as type 2 diabetes is now on the rise among children due to change in diet and more sedentary lifestyles which triggers over weight and obesity.
He lamented that most children feed on junks and highly processed foods and were usually inactive which predisposes them to the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Adindu said that overweight children were more likely to have insulin resistance, which was a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
He called on parents to revert to the traditional meals which were usually high in fiber and consist of vegetables less processed meals.
The expert urged parents to ensure that their children engage in activities such as sports to do away with the sedentary way of life.
NAN reports that 150 students benefited from the free screening exercise. (NAN)