Diabetes was once related to people 40 years and over. This is no longer true because currently there are not a few young people or teenagers who are sufferers of diabetes. Based on research, diabetes that attacks younger people actually tends to be more dangerous than people with old age.
The biggest possibility of the cause of diabetes suffered by adolescents is due to lifestyle patterns and health problems. Although there are other factors such as genetic factors that increase a person's risk of developing diabetes, the main problem for young people with diabetes is an unhealthy lifestyle.
What can cause diabetes at a young age?
There are several factors that can cause type 2 diabetes mellitus at a young age, including:
- Overweight/obese
- There is a habit of eating fast food/junk food
- Unhealthy lifestyle includes smoking habits and consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Often consume food or drink with high sugar content
- Lack of movement due to too much sitting or lying down
- Heredity (having a family member with diabetes)
- Have a history of gestational diabetes
- Have high cholesterol levels
- Have ever had a diagnosis of prediabetes
Please note, a diagnosis of prediabetes does not mean you have been diagnosed with diabetes. However, this means that the patient's blood sugar is classified as high and above the normal limit value so that if left unchecked it can potentially develop into type 2 diabetes.
What are the signs if you have diabetes?
There are several characteristics experienced by people with diabetes at a young age, namely:
- Often feel thirsty even though the weather is not hot and not sweating
- Getting tired more easily even though you have had enough sleep and rest
- Sudden weight loss
- Frequent urination, even more than twice between sleep
- Frequent vaginal discharge or itching around the genitals
- The wound healing process on the skin tends to take a long time
- The eyes are often dry and the vision is more blurred
How to prevent diabetes at a young age?
There are several ways you can do to prevent diabetes from occurring at a young age, including:
- Maintain ideal body weight
This is intended to reduce the risk of developing diabetes because obesity is one of the main factors in adolescents at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. - Eat healthy food
Consumption of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. - Replace sugar with low-calorie sweeteners
Replacing sugar with low-calorie sweeteners containing chromium can be done to improve insulin function in the body so that it can help control blood sugar. - Regular physical activity or sports
Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can help you maximize your weight loss goals and reduce your risk of developing diabetes. Not only that, exercise can also help lower blood sugar levels and increase insulin levels in the body.
Here are the causes, signs, and ways to prevent diabetes at a young age. If you, your child, or your relatives experience similar signs, immediately consult a doctor at a trusted hospital so they can be treated.
The article was written by dr. Yosephine Yossy, Sp.PD-KEMD (Internal Medicine Specialist - Endocrine, Metabolic & Diabetes Consultant at EMC Cikarang Hospital).