"Early onset type 2 diabetes is a growing health problem globally"
The survey of 204 countries found that from 1990 through 2019 the incidence of type 2 diabetes has jumped by 56% among young adults (those aged between 15 to 39 years).
While high body mass index was the highest contributing risk factor, air pollution was found to be another major risk factor. It also found that women were more susceptible to early onset type 2 diabetes.
The outcomes of the study draws our attention to the alarming situation which is rising cases of diabetes among the young population.
What causes diabetes in young adults?
The main causative factors for diabetes in young adults, the doctor says, are genetics, lack of physical activity, and increased mental stress.
"If a young adult has one parent who is diabetic, the chances of them being diabetic are 40 per cent, if both parents have a history of diabetes, the chances of developing it increase to 50 per cent," he explains the role of genetics in the onset of diabetes.
"Besides this, lifestyle-related factors like consuming a high-calorie diet, minimal physical movement, and stress can cause diabetes in young adults (both male and female)," Dr Goyal adds.
What are the early symptoms of diabetes seen in young people?
He has talked about other symptoms like genital infection, weakness, and tiredness.
"One of the other early symptoms in males is erectile dysfunction," adds Dr Goyal.
The common symptoms of diabetes which one needs to be wary of are: frequent urination, feeling thirsty, weight loss without trying, uncontrolled appetite, blurry vision, numbness or tingling sensation in feet, feeling tired, and dry skin.
How long can someone have diabetes without knowing about it?
"Average time which has been recorded in vogue says, 2 - 3 months is the average time when a person can develop diabetes without knowing about it," says Dr. Kuldeep Kumar Grover - Head of Critical Care CK Birla Hospital Gurugram.
The myth that diabetes is old age related and does not happen to young people makes it easier to get unnoticed. The young mindset is not yet prepared to accept that it is susceptible to metabolic disorders like diabetes due to several factors. Until a certain age people do not care about the disease, the lifestyle that prompts the disease or the risk factors that increase the susceptibility towards the disease.
"HbA1C is the only test which signifies whether a person is having diabetes or not," says Dr Grover and explains that the pre diabetic interval which is between 5.7 and 6.5 is the interval in which the person does not know that they are having diabetes, and the time frame as said is 2 - 3 months.
This dramatic increase in diabetes cases is distressing
Diabetes increases risk of several complications like chronic kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.
It can damage the nerves and affect the vision, hearing ability, mobility and oral health. Diabetes can also affect the mental health of individuals.
Those with diabetes have two- to three-fold increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
How can it be prevented?
Physical activity is another non-medication method of controlling diabetes. Experts say 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days can keep the weight under control and hence can be helpful in managing diabetes too.
A healthy diet, devoid of sugar, sugar loaded beverages or desserts and processed/ packaged foods can help one control diabetes.
Apart from all these, timely medical check ups can help check the level of blood sugar in the body.
Read more: 19 best foods to manage diabetes