Due to changing lifestyle and eating habits, cases of diabetes are increasing rapidly among the youth. Now this disease is not limited only to the elderly. Youth between 22 to 30 years of age are also falling prey to this. It is a matter of concern that people between 35 and 40 years of age often do not realize that they are suffering from diabetes. Ignoring the initial symptoms as normal fatigue and weakness can become a serious problem in the future.
Dr. Narendra Kumar Sharma, former president and senior doctor of IMA Noida, said that diabetes is taking the form of an epidemic today. About one out of every 10 people is suffering from this disease. Its effect is now visible even in young people. Diabetes is mainly type-1 and type-2. Type 1 diabetes usually appears in childhood or early adulthood, while type 2 diabetes often develops later and often has no obvious symptoms for a long time.
What is the reason for increase in diabetes among youth?
According to Dr. NK Sharma, there are many reasons behind the increase in diabetes among the youth. Its main reasons include hectic life, irregular eating habits, excessive consumption of junk food and fast food. Apart from this, lack of physical activities is also a big problem. Today's youth are spending more time on mobile, online gaming and social media instead of playing sports, yoga and exercising in the field. Working while sitting for a long time and avoiding physical exertion promotes obesity. Obesity is also a major risk factor for type-2 diabetes.
According to the doctor, some symptoms of diabetes can be seen in youth, which are often ignored considering it to be normal weakness. Like getting tired quickly even after walking a short distance. Constant feeling of weakness and tiredness in the body. Not feeling like working and being lazy. Shortness of breath while walking. Increase in obesity. Having frequent urine infections. Frequent problems like fever or infection.
What is the doctor's advice?
Dr. NK Sharma advised that if such symptoms appear continuously then one should consult a doctor and get blood sugar checked. Diabetes cannot be confirmed on the basis of symptoms alone; testing is necessary for this. Dr. NK Sharma especially advised the youth working in the corporate sector to take time out for their health. He said that after coming home from office, instead of spending time on mobile and social media, one should include yoga, exercise and morning walk in one's daily routine.
It is also important to pay attention to diet. One should avoid excessive consumption of food items like junk food, pizza and burgers. The risk of diabetes can be reduced by adopting regular physical activities along with a balanced and nutritious diet.
Which parts of the body can be at risk?
The doctor said that diabetes is called a silent killer, because uncontrolled blood sugar for a long time can affect many vital organs of the body. This increases the risk of problems related to heart, kidney, eyes and brain. If the patient also has high blood pressure along with diabetes, complications may increase.
He said that relying only on medicines is not enough to control diabetes. Change in diet and lifestyle is also necessary. Regular medicines and tests should be done as per the doctor's advice. Instead of waiting for the symptoms of the disease, the youth should keep getting their blood sugar checked from time to time.