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Lifestyle habits, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors in India are taking on a higher proportion of the newly developing diabetic scenario among younger persons
World Diabetes Day 2024: Early detection is important because type 2 diabetes usually begins slowly and maybe without obvious symptoms in its early stages
India is being referred to as the “diabetes capital of the world.” The disease, which was once believed to have gerontocratic effects, means mostly upon the elderly, is turning far younger: boys and girls in their teenage years and young individuals of over 20 years of age are suffering from it, hitherto unheard of with the senior citizens. What is causing this reversal?
Dr Anu Gaikwad, Consultant Diabetologist & HOD Geriatric Medicine, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune shares all you need to know
Reasons Why Young Indians Are Suffering from Diabetes:
Perhaps the most fundamental drivers of increased rates of diabetes are urbanization and changing lifestyles. The greater the number of cities increases the percentage of sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, and fizzy drinks. Once well-balanced diets are easily replaced with the same calorie-dense, but nutrient-poor foods that have been associated with increasing rates of diabetes. To make matters worse, people are under more stress, sleeping less, and experiencing job uncertainty, all of which tampers with metabolic health.
Lifestyle Habits: Diet and Physical Activity
These young people consume fast foods and junk foods and sweetened beverages at an all-time-high extent. The amount of sugar and fats in such foods contributes towards obesity and consequential insulin resistance, which in turn increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition, many of them spend a considerable amount of time watching screens, remaining relatively sedentary, which further jeopardises the body to metabolise blood glucose and increases the risk of diabetes.
Genetic and Environmental Influences
Diabetes has a tendency to come in families and the patients who have relatives with diabetes are most likely to be attacked by the disease. However, unhealthy lifestyle habits worsen genetic predispositions. Environmental factors such as pollution and strong stress levels are also believed to induce metabolic illnesses. In India, exposure to environmental toxicants coupled with stress pressures from academic and professional demands are contributing to the rising number of diabetes cases among the younger population.
Preventive Measures and Early Detection
This alarming rise of diabetes among young people needs urgent intervention. Some of the preventive measures can include publicity campaigns on healthy nutrition, exercise, and behavioral patterns of coping with stress. Different institutions, schools, and workplaces should recommend regular health checks in addition to blood sugar monitoring among such at-risk subjects or those whose family has a history of diabetes.
Early detection is important because type 2 diabetes usually begins slowly and maybe without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Most of its complications may have started already at the time when the disease becomes apparent. Routine check-ups and early testing for risk cases can help detect diabetes earlier, which can permit better management and lifestyle changes before the condition worsens.
Lifestyle habits, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors in India are taking on a higher proportion of the newly developing diabetic scenario among younger persons. Increasing awareness, lifestyle changes, and early detection remain two key strategies to address this growing health issue for long-term benefit.
