India, June 19 -- Diabetes was once considered a condition that primarily affected older adults. Today, however, an increasing number of children in India are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes - a disease that experts say is largely preventable. The rise has been fuelled by changing lifestyles, where convenience often takes precedence over nutrition.

Sugary breakfast cereals, packaged snacks, chips, biscuits, and other ultra-processed foods have become staples in many children's diets, while protein, fibre and whole foods take a back seat. Though these options may seem practical and time-saving, consistently relying on them can disrupt a child's metabolism from an early age, setting the stage for long-term health problems.

Dr Alok Ch...