Who is Affected by Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is on the rise among young people in India, with the number of cases nearly doubling in the last 15-16 years.
Unhealthy lifestyles, including inactivity and poor diet, combined with genetic predisposition and environmental factors are fuelling this alarming trend.
Obesity, limited healthcare access, and lack of awareness further aggravate the problem, which requires comprehensive interventions and policy changes.
India is currently witnessing a massive rise in type 2 diabetes (T2D) cases among youth, with one in four young people aged 15-24 years suffering from the disease.
The number of young people suffering from type 2 diabetes (T2D) has nearly doubled in just 15 years. In 2002, approximately 9 per 100,000 young people were diagnosed with the disease each year.
By 2018, this number had risen to 17.9 per 100,000. This worrying trend is driven by a number of factors, including genetics, lifestyle changes, changes in the environment, and barriers to accessing proper healthcare.
Genetic Factors – Diabetes often runs in families, making genetics an important factor.
If someone has a family history of diabetes, they are more likely to develop it.
Additionally, certain ethnic groups, such as Indians, are more prone to insulin resistance due to genetic factors, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes – A major reason for the rise in diabetes among Indian youth is unhealthy lifestyle choices.
Today, many young people spend hours sitting – whether studying, working, or staring at a screen – leaving little time for physical activities like sports or exercise.
These numbers are alarming: the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 72% of Indian youth are physically inactive, and more than half of them drink sweetened beverages daily, leading to weight gain and metabolic problems.
Unhealthy eating habits also play a big role, with fast food becoming a staple of many diets.
The “burger-and-cola” culture, large portion sizes, and an increased reliance on processed and packaged foods are all contributing to obesity and insulin resistance.
Environmental and Socio-Economic Factors – In addition to lifestyle choices, environmental factors play a key role in the development of diabetes.
Constant exposure to air pollution can reduce insulin sensitivity, making it harder for the body to control blood sugar levels.
Stress and mental health issues are also contributing factors, as they can lead to poor eating habits and lack of physical activity.
In addition, the influence of urbanization and Western lifestyles is further promoting unhealthy habits.
Socioeconomic status also plays a role – while prosperity leads to unhealthy eating habits, poverty often limits access to healthy food and healthcare.
Obesity in Youth – Obesity is a major concern, with 25-30% of Indian youth now suffering from abdominal obesity.
A major risk factor for type 2 diabetes is excess weight, particularly abdominal fat, as it promotes resistance to insulin.
Research suggests a strong link between rising rates of obesity in young people and the increasing incidence of diabetes in this age group.
Healthcare Challenges- For many, access to diabetes education and healthcare remains a challenge, especially in rural areas.
Most young people are unaware of the early symptoms of diabetes or the importance of regular screening.
Lack of awareness and timely intervention often makes the condition more difficult to manage, increasing the risk of serious complications.
Health Consequences – Diabetes can have serious consequences such as heart disease, kidney failure, vision impairment, neuropathy, and foot complications.
Additionally, the social stigma associated with diabetes can affect mental health, leading to depression and anxiety.
Interventions and Solutions- Several interventions are necessary to tackle this growing problem. School-based health education programs can help raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating.
Community initiatives that encourage physical activity, combined with nutrition counseling, can promote healthy lifestyles.
Early screening and detection programs for diabetes are also needed to identify at-risk individuals before complications develop.
Policy changes such as reducing sugar and salt in foods can help prevent unhealthy eating habits.
In conclusion, Type 2 diabetes is becoming a significant health concern among Indian youth, driven by genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and health-related factors. To reverse this trend, it is important to implement comprehensive preventive measures, raise awareness, and promote healthy lifestyles across the country.
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