Phnom Penh News: Prime Minister Hun Manet has reaffirmed and declared a state of emergency against the consumption of sugary drinks by young children, which affects their health, especially when they reach middle age.
He warned: "Hydration is not for kids, but [they] use a lot.
The Prime Minister reminded and warned of the health risks of children at the Closing Ceremony of the Education, Youth, and Sports Work Summary Assembly for the 2023-2024 school year and the 2024-2025 school year direction under the theme "Developing Human Capital towards Achieving Cambodia's Vision 2050" on 26 yesterday.
He asked parents, citizens, education providers, including peddlers, to take into account this issue, mentioning that at the Customs Hospital, there are many children born with diabetes.
He stated that sometimes, it is related to the perception of parents who do not pay attention to their children's intake of sugary drinks at a young age, which will affect their health as an adult.
The Prime Minister stated: "I met a doctor I knew in Singapore, and he said that he observed that in developing countries, people aged 30 -40 years old are born with diabetes. [They drink] from a young age."
Concerns over sugary drinks on children's health
The Prime Minister's remarks come at a time when Cambodia faces rising health concerns, especially among its younger population.
In December 2024, the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports took action by issuing a directive to prohibit the use, distribution, display, and commercialization of energy drink products in and around public and private educational institutions.
The directive, which aims to curb a public health crisis, follows the government's measures to promote health, hygiene and food safety in schools.
At Kun Bopha Hospital, the increase in the number of children diagnosed with diabetes has caused a stir.
Over the past three decades, nearly 700 children have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes across hospital campuses in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
While the number of new cases has stabilized, hospitals remain concerned about the impact of lifestyle choices on children's health.
Dr. Yai Channa, Chairman of the 7th Victory Hospital, said that the reason that leads children to develop type 1 diabetes is caused by the body's immune system destroying beta cells, which are located in the pancreas, and play a role in producing insulin.
He explained that type 1 diabetes is not caused by a child having a history of high sugar intake, but when a child has type 1 diabetes and starts insulin therapy, the child's diet needs to be properly verified, namely not to exceed too much sugar, too much fat, as recommended by a doctor.
The doctor stated: "When diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the only treatment is insulin itself, and this insulin is a hormone, made by our spear.
The global influence of sugary drinks
The dangers of sugary drinks are very influential not only in Cambodia, with global studies showing its devastating effects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that sugary drinks (SSBs) have been linked to obesity, tooth decay, and other health problems.
The World Health Organization recommends that children reduce their sugar intake to less than 10 percent of their total energy consumption, with additional health benefits that can be achieved by reducing this sugar intake to below 5 percent.
Preventive measures
The World Health Organization recommends giving water and milk to children under one year of age, establishing regular toothbrushing habits, and limiting the intake of sugary drinks to promote healthy food choices.
The World Health Organization recommends several strategies to help children avoid sugary drinks and establish healthy habits from an early age.
In addition, limiting sugary drinks can help maintain children's appetite for more nutritious foods, promoting general health and well-being.
As part of efforts to protect public health, Prime Minister Hun Manet's message underlined the importance of collaboration between parents, educators, and government agencies in curbing the rise of health problems related to the intake of sugary drinks.
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