Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult disease, is now alarmingly common amongst Indian children. Why is this happening? The culprits are clear: changing lifestyles, increased consumption of sugary foods, and sedentary habits. The result? A rising tide of health concerns is setting off alarm bells across the country.

But here’s the good news: Schools, parents, and health experts are no longer watching from the sidelines. They’re stepping up, and one of the most significant moves has come from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

WHAT’S NEW? THE CBSE ‘SUGAR BOARD’ INITIATIVE

Have you heard about CBSE’s latest directive? In a landmark decision, the board has mandated the establishment of Sugar Boards in all affiliated schools. But what does this mean for your child?

No more sugary snacks: School canteens are being asked to remove high-sugar items like sodas, chocolates, and pastries.

Awareness campaigns: Seminars and workshops are being organised for students, teachers, and parents to highlight the dangers of excessive sugar consumption.

Transparent menus: Schools are sharing healthier menu options with parents and even rethinking birthday celebrations—no more mandatory sweets and chocolates!

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Think about it, habits formed in childhood often last a lifetime. By taking sugar out of the spotlight at school, CBSE is not just changing menus, it’s changing mindsets. This is a cultural shift that encourages children to see food as fuel for their bodies, not merely as a reward or treat.

Credit : Photo: India Today/Generative AI by Vani Gupta

THE ALARMING RISE: DATA SPEAKS

According to a 2023 report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the prevalence of type 2 diabetes amongst school-aged children in urban India has reached concerning levels, with estimates suggesting that 1–2% of children aged 10–19 years are affected.

In some metropolitan areas, this figure can be as high as 3–4 percent. The table below summarises recent findings:

VOICES FROM THE FRONTLINES

“There has been a significant increase in Type 2 diabetes amongst children recently. It is a condition that has been primarily seen in adults over the past decade. This alarming trend is largely attributed to high sugar intake, often due to the easy availability of sugary snacks, beverages and processed foods.,” said Shalini Nambiar, Director Schools, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Ghaziabad.

“Furthermore, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has also mandated the establishment of ‘Sugar Boards’ in all affiliated schools. So, it becomes our responsibility to ensure that such items are removed from the school canteen. We are also planning to host seminars and workshops for students, teachers, and parents, to bring about awareness of the health hazards of sugar consumption,” she added.

“We share menu options with parents and are doing away with the distribution of sweets and chocolates on children’s birthdays. Though a small step, it will certainly help in bringing about awareness and safeguarding the health and well-being of students,” Shalini Nambiar further added.

“The CBSE’s Sugar Board directive is a welcome reinforcement of our long-standing belief that food is foundational to learning. At Orchids, we’ve always approached nutrition holistically—right from balanced school meals and low-sugar hydration options to hands-on food education through farm-to-plate learning,” said Vijay Sreedhar, Culinary Head, Orchids The International School.

MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE

“The CBSE directive to limit sugar intake in schools is not just a dietary recommendation—it’s a culture change that’s long overdue. Our children have been eating sugar over the past several decades as a harmless treat, even a reward, without considering what it does to us metabolically over the long term,” said Kalpana Gupta, Clinical Nutritionist, Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.

“We’re now diagnosing insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and precocious puberty in children who have not even reached adolescence. These are not aberrations—they’re symptoms of a systemic failure of how we are nourishing and educating our children,” she added.

TEACHER AND PARENTS: THE CRUCIAL LINK

“We see children bringing packaged snacks and sugary drinks every day. While banning these items in school is a start, we need to educate both students and parents about healthy alternatives. Interactive sessions and practical demonstrations can make a real difference, said Anita Sharma, School Teacher, Delhi.

“I never realised how much sugar was hidden in my son’s favourite foods. After attending the school’s nutrition workshop, we’ve started reading labels and packing fruit and nuts instead of biscuits and chocolates. It’s a learning curve for the whole family,” said Rajeev Menon, parent of a 13-year-old.

“This kind of awareness is much-needed, and I wholeheartedly support continued efforts like these. Thank you, Orchids The International School, for taking such a thoughtful step toward ensuring the well-being of our children and their future. In fact, initiatives like ‘BE FIT’ by Orchids clearly show that the health of students is a top priority for the institution,” said Arati, parent of a Jhansi, student at Orchids The International School, Sahakarnagar Campus.

“Looking at the rising cases of childhood obesity and lifestyle diseases, it is definitely time to start talking about what is inside the lunchbox. However, food is rarely just about what’s on the plate; it can symbolise comfort, control, a box filled with memories, or even a reflection of identity,” said Akanksha Mishra, Counsellor, Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon.

“The impact of one’s relationship with food on mental health, seen in the form of body image concerns and maladaptive eating patterns, is as much a reality as obesity and lifestyle diseases. Therefore, what is needed now is a mindful approach to managing lunchbox choices, one that supports health without invoking shame,” Akanksha Mishra further added.

STEPS TO CURB THE CRISIS

DANGER OF INACTION

Unchecked, the rise in type 2 diabetes amongst children can lead to lifelong health complications: obesity, heart disease, PCOD, and dental problems.

Early onset of these conditions can shorten life expectancy and diminish quality of life. The World Health Organisation warns that without intervention, India could face a generation grappling with chronic illness from a young age.

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The fight against childhood type 2 diabetes is not just a medical challenge, it’s a societal one. Schools are uniquely positioned to shape habits and attitudes. But real change requires the combined efforts of educators, parents, policymakers, and students themselves.

By making informed choices, fostering food literacy, and supporting healthy environments, we can stem the tide of this epidemic. Every step, no matter how small, brings us closer to a future where Indian children can grow up healthy, active, and free from preventable diseases.

Let’s make the health of our children our collective priority starting today.