Q: Can a sedentary lifestyle cause diabetes in a boy of 17 years? What should be the diet for a boy of 17 years having diabetes. Are oral insulin tablets available anywhere in the world?

A:Sedentary lifestyle may precipitate diabetes, but is unlikely to cause it on its own. Since your son is less than normal weight, he should be on a nutritious diet which will help him to maintain a normal body weight, maybe around 2400 Kcal/day. Please consult a dietician and local doctor. There are no insulin tablets anywhere in the world, but there are more convenient ways to inject insulin such as insulin pens .