SHAH ALAM, July 22 — The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among children as young as 14 has sparked public concern, with people saying modern eating habits and lifestyles must receive more focus to ensure kids’ health.
A Media Selangor survey found that parents and healthcare workers say efforts to prevent the disease must start at home by forming healthier habits and encouraging physical activity from a young age.
Robiatuladawiyah Anizan, 29, said sweet food and drink trends on social media could influence children’s diet choices.
As a mother of two, she said the responsibility of forming healthy eating habits cannot be placed solely on mothers.
“It’s not just mothers who need to care for their children’s eating (habits), but the whole family must play a role,” she told Media Selangor.
Meanwhile, Health Ministry (MOH) officer Nik Mohamad Yusof Nik Mohamad Hasenu, 38, said preventive measures must start in the family as parents can control children’s eating habits when they’re at home.
He said that because of this, he no longer uses sugar, and instead uses stevia at home.
“Outside, we can’t monitor what children eat, but at home I encourage a no-sugar practice and replace it with stevia,” he added.
Another MOH officer, Amirul Syafiq M. Mustafa, 36, said comprehensive lifestyle changes are more effective than just reducing one’s sugar intake.
He said parents could introduce fruits as snack choices and be physically active with their families to shape healthier lifestyle practices.
“If possible, the government could also be stricter with the nutritional content of food sold in schools so it is easier for children to practise healthy eating, like in Japan,” he added.
Previously, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are no longer an adult disease as there are children as young as 14 with Type 2 diabetes.
He said this signals how NCDs are becoming more prevalent and needs immediate action from all quarters.
