Gujarat orders schools to set up ‘Sugar Boards’ amid rising diabetes cases among children

Amid a disturbing trend of increasing Type-2 diabetes seen among children, the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has issued a circular directing all District Education Officers (DEOs) to implement the establishment of ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools. 

The Sugar Boards will help educate children about the sugar content in foods and beverages, helping monitor and reduce sugar consumption.

According to GSHSEB, there has been a significant rise in Type-2 diabetes among children. Excessive sugar intake is leading to alarming health conditions. To curb this trend and reduce dental problems and metabolic disorders among students, the government has recommended setting up Sugar Boards in schools. Data shows that children aged 4–10 consume up to 13% of their daily calories from sugar, while those aged 11–18 consume up to 15%. This percentage should ideally be reduced to just 5%.

Each school is instructed to install a Sugar Board in a prominent location. The board should inform students about the risks of excessive sugar consumption. It will include details such as recommended daily sugar intake, its content in commonly consumed food items, and the health hazards of high sugar intake. 

Additionally, schools are required to organise seminars and workshops on the subject. The education board has instructed all DEOs to ensure strict implementation of these guidelines in schools.

Earlier in May, in a bid to control sugar intake among school-going children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) had also issued similar directives to its affiliated schools.

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