An Alarming rise in Type 2 diabetes, traditionally known to affect adults, is worrying scientists. In fact, the focus of this year's diabetes day is on children and adolescents.

"From school I return at 2. At 2:45 our tuitions are there and at 5 I return and have my snacks. Then I study till 9. I watch TV for one and half hours and then I sleep," said 12-year-old Hargun.

Hargun was diagnosed with diabetes and a sedentary and high level of stress proves to be a trigger.

Doctors blame the rise in Type 2 diabetes on the stressful lifestyle.

"South Asians are more prone to Type 2 diabetes. If because of your lifestyle you are putting on weight, you can develop Type 2 diabetes," said Dr Ambrish Mittal.

The International Diabetes Foundation finds that there has been an increment of 30 per cent in Type 2 diabetes in children in last two decades. In India a study on obese children in AIIMS found that out of 400 obese children four have got diabetes and almost 37 children were pre-diabetic between the age of 10 and 18.

There are some warning signs what parents can watch out for like increased thirst, increased need to urinate, increased appetite and fatigue, even blurred vision and frequent and slow healing infections.

Type 2 diabetes is not curable. It is a life long condition but you can learn how to manage it with a complete change in the lifestyle.

Apart from counseling, one can go for regular exercise, small frequent meals, high fibre, more of vegetables, low fats. This means avoiding fast food. One can also go for medication like Metfommin which is the key stone in treating Type 2 diabetes.

Change of lifestyle is especially important. If you have a history of diabetes that coupled with obesity increases your child's chances of getting diabetes by 50 per cent. There is no cure so prevention really is the key.