Type 2 Diabetes Rises Steadily Among Children During The Covid-19 Pandemic

Nikki Attkisson | Last Updated : September 27, 2022

A study conducted by the experts at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center found a massive rise in type-2 diabetes among children during the steep period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The brains behind this finding were vague about the root cause of this unconditional occurrence of type-2 diabetes in children. They found it hard to finalize the reports for the major cause of type-2 diabetes in children, as they doubt whether the virus infection itself is the factor or any other environmental factors are involved in this increased risk.

They even question the activities such as remote learning, the shutdown of school, and the lack of sports activities children did during the COVID-19 pandemic that made them less active and lazier in doing things. The experts say that these may be causes of developing type-2 diabetes in children.

During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Type 2 Diabetes Among Children Is Steadily Increasing

Type-2 diabetes is a chronic disease that badly affects the body’s normal functions. It causes irregularities in the normal use and process of sugar. This chronic condition may lead to abnormal sugar content circulating in the bloodstream.

If not treated, the high blood sugar levels in the blood could lead to forming disorders in the immune system, circulatory system, and nervous system. It can even result in heart and kidney-related diseases. 

Type 2 Diabetes Rises Steadily Among Children During The Covid-19 Pandemic

The latest reports revealed by the authorities show that 3113 patients were diagnosed with type-2 diabetes shared from 24 centers across the United States during the pandemic period. The patients were from various age groups ranging from small children of 8 years to youngsters of 21. 

Associate professor of pediatrics, Magge shared the words on the rise and fall of type-2 diabetes in children. She said that children diagnosed with this chronic condition start to show complications at a faster rate than seen in adults. 

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The researchers behind this study said that children were diagnosed with type-2 diabetes even before the pandemic. The percentage of the affected was increasing beyond expectations during COVID-19. This was even highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So, to assess the involvement of COVID-19 in the rise of childhood diabetes, the investigators in charge conducted a deep study and analysis of the medical records to get a clear picture of the impact. 

In another report submitted by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the experts pointed out that reduced physical activities resulted in lowered energy levels in children, which leads to unhealthy weight gain. These were considered the main risk factors that caused type-2 diabetes in children. Unhealthy lifestyles in children during the lockdown made their bodies more prone to health issues. Among others, diabetes seemed to be dominant.  

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the children were leading a healthy lifestyle and were very active in doing things, both indoors and outdoors. They were busy going to school, playing with each other, and getting involved in one or the other physical activities. But the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic made everything off track. They were kept away from getting involved in day-to-day normal routines. Everyone was busy watching TV and spending time indoors, which made them unhealthy. Low physical activities have put their lives at risk. 

The experts suggest taking periodic consultations with the experts about the increased weight gain in children. Sudden weight gain that goes uncontrollable is not a matter to overlook. Take an appointment with the children’s doctor to safeguard your children’s life. It is better to focus on healthy diets and workouts which are apt for your kid’s current health condition. 

References:

🔵National Library Of Medicine (n.d) Pediatric Diabetes on the Rise: Trends in Incident Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Available On):https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8900286/

🔵Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (n.d) Risk for Newly Diagnosed Diabetes >30 Days After SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Persons Aged <18 Years — United States, March 1, 2020–June 28, 2021 (Available On):https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7102e2.htm


Nikki Attkisson

With over 15 years as a practicing journalist, Nikki Attkisson found herself at Powdersville Post now after working at several other publications. She is an award-winning journalist with an entrepreneurial spirit and worked as a journalist covering technology, innovation, environmental issues, politics, health etc. Nikki Attkisson has also worked on product development, content strategy, and editorial management for numerous media companies. She began her career at local news stations and worked as a reporter in national newspapers.

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