Diabetes on the rise in children
In recent years, the number of children and adolescents under the age of 18 diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes have been increasing. According to the HK Childhood Diabetes Registry, the number of children diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes have increased considerably. More significantly, the number of children diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes have almost doubled – a total of 391 in 2008-2017 compared with 198 in 1997-2007 – which is a worrying situation.
There is a noticeable trend that children are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at a younger age. Unhealthy lifestyle and obesity are becoming more common, causing an increase in the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is preventable as long as a healthy daily diet and regular exercise are maintained. This will greatly reduce the chances of suffering from Type 2 diabetes.
Thank you to the Hospital Authority and paediatricians for establishing the “Hong Kong Childhood Diabetes Registry” to track the long term effects of diabetes.
Source: The Hong Kong Childhood Diabetes Registry 2008-2017
Abstract: Increasing incidence of type 1 diabetes among Hong Kong children and adolescents: The Hong Kong Childhood Diabetes Registry 2008 to 2017
Abstract: Incidence and clinical characteristics of pediatric-onset type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong: The Hong Kong childhood diabetes registry 2008 to 2017
The HK Children Diabetes Registry has been funded by YDA since 2016. We are only able to support this through generous donations, please consider making a donation to YDA to help us to continue supporting this important project and to help us ensure that no child is alone in living with diabetes in Hong Kong.