Type 2 diabetes can
be more severe in younger people
This condition increases the risk of
comorbid conditions by two to three times
New Delhi, 07
December 2017: A new study has indicated that Type-2 diabetes is more aggressive in
younger people than in adults. The research has also indicated that the risk of
complications in younger people with type-2 diabetes is two to three times higher
than type-1 diabetes. It is alarming to note that one in every four (25.3%)
people under 25 with diabetes in India has adult-onset type-2 diabetes. This
condition should ideally strike only older adults with a family history of
diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diets and inactivity.
Younger people with
Type 2 diabetes do not need to be on insulin. However, they are at a greater
risk of developing life-threatening complications such as kidney damage and
heart problems than those who are dependent on insulin. The data indicates that
about 56.1% of the registered young diabetics have been hospitalized at least
once for acute diabetes-related complications. Additionally, 1 in 7 of them had
at least one complication or “co-morbid” condition.
Speaking about this, Padma
Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association
(IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon –
Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "A
high-calorie diet rich in processed and junk food, obesity, and inactivity are
some of the reasons for the increased number of younger people with diabetes in
the country. Not getting checked in a timely manner and not following the
doctor’s protocol further complicates matters for them, putting them at a risk
of acquiring comorbid conditions at a relatively younger age. There is also a
belief that because young people with Type 2 diabetes do not need insulin, it
is not as sinister as it seems. However, this is a false notion. This condition
requires immediate treatment and management.”
A young person with
Type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms. If there are some, these may be usually
mild and in most cases, develop gradually and include thirst and frequent
urination.
Adding further, Dr
Aggarwal, said, “Small and gradual changes can be made in the family so
that no one is left out. This will also be encouraging for youngsters with
adults setting examples for a healthy lifestyle. Such changes can help a
youngster lose weight (if that is the issue) or help them make better eating
choices, thereby lowering the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes. This is
truer for those with a genetic susceptibility to the condition. Operating as a
team, a family, is much more likely to be successful.”
Here are some tips to
manage Type 2 diabetes in young adults.
- Maintain a healthy weight by exercising every day and consuming a healthy diet.
- Get your blood glucose levels monitored at regular intervals.
- Do not consume refined sugar in any form as this can get absorbed into the blood stream more easily and cause further complications.
- Reduce stress through activities such as meditation and yoga.
