New medical research suggests that children who spend more than 3 hours a day on phones and tablets or watching T.V are more likely to develop diabetes.

Various media outlets have reported on the research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) this week. The new findings closely link to previous research which found that adults who had a lot of screen time had a higher risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

However, it was not clear from older research whether or not children were also at risk though researchers did point out that the use of electronic devices was on the rise, especially in children.

The study was carried out across 200 UK based primary schools and sampled some 4,500 children.

The researchers tested blood pressure, body fat, insulin resistance, blood fats and fasting blood glucose levels as well as estimated screen times including phones, computers, television and video games.

Worryingly, just 4% of those surveyed stated that screen time didn't take up much of their day, while 37% admitted they spent an hour or less a day on electronic devices. One in five children were found to spend more than three hours a day in front of a screen.

The study found strong links between increased screen times and higher body fat ratios. It was also found that levels of leptin, the hormone that controls appetite, fasting glucose and insulin resistance, were strongly affected by screen time.

Commenting on their findings, the researchers advise less screen time for children to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Find out more about this research on the Archives of Disease in Childhood website

Comments