Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, medical experts are stressing the effects of lifestyle choices including high-sugar diets, inactive lifestyles, and fast food dependence, These patterns help explain the increase in diabetes and hypertension among children, disorders increasingly seen in UAE hospitals.

Consultant pediatrician Dr. Osama Elsayed Rezk Elassy of Thumbay University Hospital notes that diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors for childhood obesity, "Children who acquire too much weight are much more likely to have Type 2 diabetes, which then strains their cardiovascular system and raises blood pressure" he explains. The way the body responds to insulin explains the link between diabetes and hypertension. In situations of obesity-related diabetes, the body builds insulin resistance, which stiffens blood vessels and forces the heart to pump harder, hence raising blood pressure.

Different factors surround the two forms of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes results from the immune system attacking pancreas insulin-producing cells, so producing absolutely no insulin. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is characterized by progressively low insulin production and a resistance to insulin, which usually has direct bearing on lifestyle choices. Early diagnosis made possible by early recognition of symptoms including unusual thirst and unintentional weight loss will help to enable suitable treatment including insulin medication and lifestyle changes that can more successfully control the disease.

Reflecting worldwide trends, consultant pediatrician Dr. Amjad Mouzag Haider of International Modern Hospital in Dubai notes that pediatric diabetes and its relationship to childhood hypertension are urgent problems in the UAE. Emphasizing that pediatric diabetes—especially Type 2—is rather frequent, he says, "Lifestyle and dietary habits in the region contribute heavily to this trend." Main causes of this increase are high sugar intake, inactive lives, and genetic predispositions, which emphasizes the need of preventive actions.

Medical professionals advise emphasizing preventive lifestyle changes in order to offset these increasing numbers. At Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital, diabetes and endocrinology specialist Dr. Kirthika Jeyaraman stresses the need of prevention by food and exercise. Along with consistent physical activity, she advises youngsters to eat balanced diets high in veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Early detection also depends on routine blood sugar and blood pressure examinations, especially for youngsters with a family history of diabetes or obesity. According to Dr. Jeyaraman, schools can contribute to this preventive strategy by providing tests that parents are likely to approve of, which can help to identify early symptoms of various health issues and support quick therapy.

Healthcare professionals in the UAE are stressing a group approach involving families, schools, and communities to fight pediatric diabetes and hypertension in line with growing awareness. Aiming to avert troubles later in life, this approach highlights the importance of lifestyle changes and consistent monitoring to address these rising health issues among the young population of the UAE.

UAE: Rising Pediatric Diabetes Linked to Increased Risk of Hypertension in Children

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