The number of Thais suffering from diabetes is forecast to increase to about 5.3 million in 2040,  from this year’s 4.8 million, with the possibility of an increasing number of cases among children and adolescents, according to forecasts by the International Diabetes Federation and the Diabetes Association of Thailand.

On World Diabetes Day today, Piyada Prasertsom, manager of the Network of Thai Children against Sugar, said that the most worrisome aspect of diabetes in Thailand is that more Thai youngsters are suffering from it, due to their eating habits.

Although most diabetes cases are found in middle-aged people, she noted that Type 2 diabetes has been detected in Thai children, aged just 10 or 11, due to eating too much sugar.

According to the World Health Organisation, a person should not consume more than 10 teaspoons (50g) daily but, in Thailand, a glass of soft drink may contain between 10-15 teaspoons of sugar, said Piyada.

Not only does pure sugar cause diabetes, several other foods also contain high levels of sugar, she said as she suggested that those who are aware that they are at risk of developing diabetes should immediately change their eating habits by consuming less sugar, especially soft drinks.