Mohammed Badawood Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A campaign aimed at reducing diabetes rates among children in the Kingdom has revealed startling figures, including 40 children whose parents were not aware they had the disease. The campaign, organized by the Pediatrics College at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz University, saw more than 3,000 children examined across eight major cities in the Kingdom. According to pediatrician Dr. Abdul Moeen Abdul Agha, who supervised the campaign, around 150 other children were found to be at risk of developing diabetes because of obesity. He said 1,500 students of medicine and nutrition in a number of Saudi universities participated in the campaign and examined children at various malls and shopping centers. Those who needed early medical attention were referred to nearby government hospitals. Agha said others were given medical and nutritious advice to protect their health. "We have chosen the malls and shopping centers for our campaign because they are the most frequently visited places by families," he added. According to Agha, obesity is the main cause of diabetes among children, in addition to bad eating habits. "The children very rarely eat fruit and vegetables," Agha said. “They also consume large quantities of fast food and sweets." He blamed low participation in sport and physical activities, and watching TV or using computers and the Internet for long periods. He advised parents to provide medical treatment for obese children well before they reach puberty, reduce their consumption of soft drinks and stop them from sitting for long hours in front of the TV.
