Why Type 2 Diabetes Is On The Rise In Young Indians In Their 20S And 30S


Why Type 2 Diabetes Is On The Rise In Young Indians In Their 20S And 30S

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), among young adults suffering from early-onset of diabetes under the age of 25, 25.3% have type-2 diabetes. Another study published by The BMJ traces the increase in type-2 diabetes cases over the years. From 1990 to 2019, type-2 diabetes cases have jumped by 59% among young individuals aged between 15 and 39 years.

The alarming increase in type-2 diabetes in young adults coincides with deteriorating work- life balance, increasing stress levels, and sedentary lifestyles. This is pushing individuals in their mid-20s and early 30s to opt for lifetime health insurance coverage, and if it goes undiagnosed, type-2 diabetes can upend your personal life.

What is Type-2 Diabetes?

Earlier, type-2 diabetes was called ‘adult-onset diabetes’ – two decades ago, this rang true, as type-2 diabetes was typically found in middle-aged and older individuals. However, today, it has become a misnomer, as it is now increasingly becoming prevalent among young adults.

Type-2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting how your body processes glucose (or blood sugar). This leads to high glucose levels in your bloodstream, and this condition develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin. Alternatively, you can have type-2 diabetes if your pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to meet your body’s needs.

Why Do You Get Type-2 Diabetes?

Now considered a global epidemic, type-2 diabetes, when left untreated, can lead to various cardiovascular diseases and other severe health complications. Typically, you develop type-2 diabetes because of genetics, physical inactivity, poor diet, and age.

Here are some of the risk factors for developing type-2 diabetes.

  • Genetics: If someone in your immediate family suffers from type-2 diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing the condition at some point in your lifetime.
  • Obesity: One of the main reasons for developing type-2 diabetes is being overweight, especially if you accumulate fat around your abdominal region.
  • Physical Inactivity: A lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, especially among young adults.
  • Unhealthy Diet: Most of us rely on fast food because of our fast-paced lifestyles. However, a diet consisting of processed foods, sugar, saturated and trans fats, and low fibre can increase the risk of type-2 diabetes.
  • Age: The risk of developing type-2 diabetes increases with age, especially if you’re over 45.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Women that develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are at increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes in later years. Even the child is likely to develop type-2 diabetes at some point in their lifetime.
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

Why is Type-2 Diabetes Becoming Prevalent Among Young Adults?

Over the years, with technology becoming more sophisticated, screening for type-2 diabetes at a younger age has become easier and more accessible. At the same time, a study in Medscape Medical News found that almost 75% of the young adults tested for type-2 diabetes had alarmingly high levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. While this is a known risk factor, only 4% were taking lipid-lowering medications.

The prevalence of type-2 diabetes among young adults can be attributed to the following reasons.

1.Obesity: Obesity globally has tripled since 1975, and is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. The obesity epidemic is a major contributor to the increasing prevalence of type-2 diabetes among young adults. Obesity is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance – a condition in which the body does not respond to insulin properly. This leads to high blood sugar levels and, eventually, developing type- 2 diabetes.

2.Sedentary Lifestyles: Young adults today spend more time sitting in front of their laptops or on their smartphones. The lack of physical activity and exercise contributes to obesity and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of type-2 diabetes.

3.Unhealthy Food Habits: By consuming high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar food and drinks, young adults are prone to gaining weight. The increased availability of processed foods has put young adults in danger, as they increasingly make unhealthy food choices.

4.Genetics: Some young adults are genetically predisposed to type-2 diabetes, making them susceptible to the condition even if they follow a healthy lifestyle. When left undiagnosed and untreated, type-2 diabetes can lead to severe health complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision loss.

What Can Be Done to Combat Type-2 Diabetes?

You can reduce the chances of developing type-2 diabetes in the following manner.

  • Exercise Regularly: Daily exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels. You can indulge in moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, such as brisk walking and cycling, to reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: You must maintain a body mass index (BMI) in the healthy range of 18.5 - 24.9 to reduce the chances of type-2 diabetes.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: By maintaining a healthy diet, you can avoid weight loss, while the diet improves insulin sensitivity. You must prioritise whole, unprocessed foods, such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You should also avoid sugar, saturated and trans fats, and processed foods.
  • Manage Stress: Individuals between 25 and 40 years are prone to stress-induced diabetes, as it affects blood sugar levels and leads to insulin receptor damage. You must practice stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga and meditation.
  • Quit Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Try to avoid or quit smoking and alcohol intake, as they can contribute to weight gain and put you at greater risk of type-2 diabetes.

You must also go for regular health check-ups and talk to your healthcare provider to identify the risk factors for type-2 diabetes, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. You can opt for top-up medical insurance plans to protect yourself from type-2 diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

Conclusion

It is estimated that one in four individuals under the age of 25 is afflicted with type-2 diabetes in the country. You can get type-2 diabetes for various reasons, and the common risk factors include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, genetics, and an unhealthy diet. To protect yourself from type-2 diabetes – and other lifestyle diseases, you must maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly. At the same time, you must manage stress levels, and maintain a healthy diet. By taking these precautionary measures, you can protect yourself from type-2 diabetes and other ailments.