Hyderabad, Sep 07: The increasing incidence of diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders among children and adolescents has become a growing concern, with paediatricians and neonatologists calling for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and long-term monitoring of such conditions.
These issues came under discussion at PAEDS 2026, a national conference on paediatric endocrinology, organised by KIMS Cuddles, Secunderabad, at KIMS Hospitals here on Sunday. The conference brought together paediatricians, endocrinologists and specialists from across the country to deliberate on childhood diabetes, growth disorders, early and delayed puberty, obesity, thyroid disorders, bone health and other hormonal conditions affecting children.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Babu S. Madarkar, Clinical Director and Chief Neonatologist, KIMS Cuddles, said the conference aimed to enhance the knowledge and clinical skills of doctors in the early identification, management and long-term follow-up of hormonal and metabolic disorders in children and adolescents.
“Paediatric endocrine disorders can have a significant impact on a child’s growth, development and long-term health. Early recognition and timely intervention are therefore extremely important,” he said.
The conference featured scientific sessions, expert lectures and practical workshops involving paediatricians, endocrinologists and specialists from different medical disciplines. Experts discussed contemporary approaches to conditions such as congenital hypothyroidism, hypoglycaemia, rickets, bow legs, hypertension in children, Differences of Sex Development, precocious and delayed puberty, short stature and growth hormone therapy.
Dr. Kishore Baske, Paediatric Endocrinologist, said a dedicated session on diabetes in children was held as part of the conference. Changing dietary habits and increasingly sedentary lifestyles were contributing to a rise in lifestyle-related disorders among children and adolescents, he said.
The discussions covered treatment options in Type-2 diabetes beyond metformin, the role of GLP-1 analogues and newer approaches in the management of Type-1 diabetes. Experts also discussed emerging treatment strategies that could shape the future management of childhood diabetes.
“Along with diabetes, increasing childhood obesity is another major concern. Genetic factors, polyendocrine and metabolic disorders and conditions such as metabolic ovarian syndromes also require greater attention in paediatric endocrine practice,” Dr. Kishore Baske said.
The emerging role of Artificial Intelligence in paediatric endocrinology was another focus of the conference. Experts discussed the potential applications of AI in healthcare, while also examining its limitations and the need for responsible use of technology in clinical decision-making.
The conference placed considerable emphasis on hands-on training in addition to theoretical learning. Workshops covered interpretation of growth charts, use of growth hormone pens and vials, bone-age assessment and DEXA scans. Participants were also trained in the use of continuous glucose monitoring systems, insulin pumps and pens, as well as carbohydrate counting and insulin administration techniques.
Experts emphasised the growing need for specialised paediatric endocrinology services for children and adolescents with hormonal and metabolic disorders. A comprehensive approach involving early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and long-term follow-up, along with counselling for families, nutritional support and multidisciplinary care, was recommended for children below 18 years.
Doctors said early identification and timely treatment of endocrine disorders could help prevent or minimise several complications later in life. PAEDS 2026, they said, provided a platform for doctors to update their knowledge on evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in complex hormonal and metabolic disorders affecting children and adolescents.