The university studied about 2,000 children aged 12 years old. The findings showed that these children are consuming food and drinks that are high in sugar and carbohydrates. Their retinas also revealed narrower blood vessels, an indicator of future heart diseases.

Researchers from the University of Sydney Westmead Millenium Institute for Medical Research said they monitored the daily sugar and carbohydrates consumption of these kids. 21 high schools in Sydney were asked to participate in the study with the children answering the survey about their diet.

The findings showed that those who drink more soft drinks and consume more carbohydrates exhibited a more adverse microvascular profile. Researchers said they will have the same survey after five years to assess whether the damage progresses.

The study, which also appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, reflects a report released by Diabetes Australia.

The body forecast that diabetic Australians will rise to an “epidemic proportion” in the next 20 years. It said that the country will have as many as 3.5 million diabetics if lifestyle changes are not made.

The report of Diabetes Australia also showed that the younger generation has a higher risk of suffering from diabetes. One out of 10 people under 40 years old were found to be diabetic.

This is not good news for the ailing healthcare system as Australia is one of the countries that have a high incidence of diabetes.

The research conducted by the body said eat-in diners seldom choose healthy fares. The study conducted purchases comparison of 20 McDonald outlets. Of the 1,449 meals bought, only one percent of the total was healthy.

The study, which appeared in Health Promotion Journal of Australia, indicated although healthier options are available in fast-food restaurants, Australians continue to prefer fries over salads.

Chef and nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin said the results did not surprise her and were quite expected. She said that McDonald’s is not associated with healthy food although the fast-food chain has begun offering healthier options.

McDonald’s refuted claims that people continue to buy unhealthy food from their stores. The company reasoned that healthier options continue to be offered because they sell. Last year, McDonald’s started offering value meals with choices between salad or fries.

When asked whether salads have become as popular as fries, a McDonald’s representative refused to make a categorical statement, saying that the company expects more customers will choose salads.

Jane Martin, spokeswoman for Obesity Policy Coalition, urged fast-food restaurants to come up with healthier fries and burgers.

A recent report from the Diabetes Australia revealed that close to 300 Australians are diagnosed to be diabetics every day. The number of diabetics is expected to grow as much as 3.5 million in the next 20 years.

Diabetes has also become prevalent among people 40 years and below.

Diabetes Australia forecasts that the number of Australians suffering from diabetes would double to 3.5 million in the next 20 years. 

The number poses a serious concern with the government’s healthcare system. Greg Johnson, Diabetes Australia chief executive, said the federal government might not be able to address the dramatic increase. 

Diabetes care currently makes up 32 percent of hospital admissions in the country. More than $6 billion are currently earmarked each year for diabetes. The more people are diagnosed, the higher will be the annual health bill. 

Diabetes Australia calls the forecast a “burgeoning pandemic.” The body said the government must impose a yearly testing for people 40 years and older. It also recommended that proper nutrition be taught in schools. 

The report also said that Generation Y is also most likely to be affected, with one of 10 people under 40 years old suffering from diabetes. 

Today, Australia ranks one of the countries with the highest incidence of diabetes in the world. The number continues to grow three percent a year with 275 Australians being diagnosed diabetic each day. 

Diabetes consultant Anne Heaney said people should be mindful of what they eat and drink. Cutting back on sugar and fat will help manage a person’s sugar level. She added that regular exercising and intake of food rich in fiber would make a huge difference. 

Diabetes is a lifetime disease with no cure. The condition occurs when there is too much glucose in the body. It is also aggravated when a person eats food with high sugar content like ice creams, cakes, chocolates, etc.