A new government report has sounded a sharp warning: children in Gujarat are developing diabetes at younger ages than those in many other states. According to the “Children in India 2025” survey released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Gujarat rose to the top in the prevalence of diabetes among its 10- to 19-year-olds. The state recorded a 2.9% diabetes rate in this age group—far above the national average of 0.6%.
The same study also revealed that 20.8% of children aged 5 to 9 in Gujarat already qualify as pre-diabetic, placing the state second among populous states in that age bracket. For kids aged 10 to 19, Gujarat ranks third nationally, with 20.9% falling into the pre-diabetic zone. The survey defines pre-diabetes by fasting blood sugar between 100 and 126 mg/dL, and diabetes by levels above 126 mg/dL.
Local doctors say the trends mirror lifestyle changes—poor diet, lack of movement, and excessive screen time are accelerating health problems in young bodies. A recent case involved a 15-year-old boy in Ahmedabad whose weight flew above 100 kg. He developed high blood pressure and blood sugar issues, which led his parents to seek medical care. Doctors also reported that obesity hampered his school attendance and mental well-being.
Medical experts point out that type 1 diabetes—a condition where the body does not produce enough insulin—is also appearing in younger children. In one incident, a 12-year-old arrived at a hospital with severe dehydration and was eventually diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening complication. The child showed warning signs such as frequent urination, nausea, and weight loss before doctors confirmed the diagnosis.
Paediatric endocrinologists now call for stronger screening and greater awareness among parents and teachers. Many early symptoms—fatigue, weight loss, constant thirst—get ignored or mistaken for general illness. Some specialists have urged that all schools include basic blood-sugar checks or periodic health camps to catch early warning signs.
The report also flags other health issues. Among 10- to 19-year-olds, 6.4% showed high blood pressure, compared with a national average of 4.9%. High cholesterol also affected 4.4%, and elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol was found in around 6%—higher than the national average of 3.8%.
Gujarat paediatricians have sounded the alarm that untreated pre-diabetes and diabetes in childhood raise the risk of severe heart, liver, and kidney disease in adulthood. Overweight or obese children, especially with poor exercise and diet habits, may develop more serious health conditions earlier in life.
In response, authorities say they will expand preventive programs, focusing on diet education, regular physical activity, and limiting sugary foods in and out of schools. Policymakers also hope to use this data to plan better health infrastructure tailored for young populations.
The warning from Gujarat may serve as a wake-up call for other states. When diabetes begins in childhood, its effects compound over years. Early detection and healthy choices could change the trajectory of thousands of young lives.
