Indeed, Hong Kong children now have some of the highest blood-fat levels in the world. A survey last year found that many kids in the city engage in less than an hour's exercise each week though they spend plenty of time in front of a television or playing computer games. Because the early symptoms are relatively mild, diabetes often goes unrecognized. While parents think their kids sweat a lot because they're fat, profuse perspiration may be a symptom of incipient diabetes. Tiring easily and constant thirst are also warning signs.
Some children develop a dark band at the back of the neck.
Doctors advise parents to get their children tested if they are in high-risk categories. A chronic disorder, diabetes is marked by excess glucose in the blood and urine. Unless treated properly, it can lead to other long-term problems such as kidney damage, amputations due to infection of the feet, nerve disorders and eye diseases that lead to blindness. The disease is also a leading contributor to heart disease and stroke. Sufferers often develop multiple conditions including hypertension and protein in urine.