Diabetes is often thought of as a disease that only affects older people. However, it is now increasingly being found in younger people, including adolescents and young adults.
Lifestyle changes, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity are some of the factors that contribute to the increased risk of diabetes in productive age. Therefore, it's crucial to understand the risk factors for diabetes early on so this condition can be prevented.
What is Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood sugar levels increase due to disruption in the production or function of the insulin hormone.
Insulin helps sugar enter the body's cells to be used for energy. When insulin function is impaired, blood sugar levels can rise and trigger various health problems.
Why Can Diabetes Attack Young People?
Modern lifestyles increase the risk of diabetes in young people. Habits such as consuming high-sugar foods, lack of exercise, and staying up late can impact long-term health.
In addition, many young people are unaware of the early symptoms of diabetes so that the condition is only discovered after more serious complaints appear.
Risk Factors for Diabetes in Young Age
Here are some factors that can increase the risk of diabetes at a young age:
1. Unhealthy Eating Patterns
Excessive consumption of high-sugar foods, fast food, sweet drinks, and high-calorie foods can increase the risk of diabetes.
An unbalanced diet can also trigger weight gain and obesity.
2. Lack of Physical Activity
Sitting too long, not exercising enough, and a sedentary lifestyle can make the body less effective at using blood sugar for energy.
Lack of physical activity also carries the risk of increasing body weight.
3. Obesity or Overweight
Being overweight is one of the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Excess body fat can affect the function of insulin in the body.
4. Hereditary Factors
A person who has a family history of diabetes has a higher risk of developing a similar condition.
Therefore, regular health checks are important if you have hereditary factors.
5. Lack of sleep and staying up late
Irregular sleep habits can affect the body's metabolism and hormonal balance, including hormones that play a role in regulating blood sugar.
6. Prolonged Stress
Uncontrolled stress can affect a person's blood sugar levels and lifestyle, such as overeating or poor health care.
Diabetes Symptoms to Watch Out For
Some of the symptoms of diabetes that often appear include:
- Often thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Easily tired
- Losing weight for no apparent reason
- Wounds that are difficult to heal
- Blurred vision
If you experience these complaints, you should immediately have a health check.
How to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
The risk of diabetes can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Eating a balanced nutritious diet
- Reduce foods and drinks high in sugar
- Regular exercise
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress well
- Have regular health checks
The Importance of Early Detection
Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of complications such as heart, kidney, eye, and nerve problems. Therefore, early detection is crucial for faster and more optimal treatment.
Conclusion
Diabetes not only attacks the elderly, but can also be experienced by young people due to various risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and hereditary factors.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle from an early age is an important step to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes later in life.
Article written by dr. Elyanawati, Sp.PD (Specialist in Internal Medicine at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).