Type 2 DM cases are increasingly being found in younger age groups.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – It seems that the millennial generation must be increasingly aware of their health. In the past, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) was synonymous with “old people’s disease”, now it’s no longer the case. Type 2 DM cases are increasingly being found in younger age groups.
A study conducted by British researchers is one evidence of an increase in cases of type 2 diabetes in the younger age group. Recent studies show that one in eight new cases of type 2 diabetes are from the 18-40 year age group.
Another study in 2020 also showed that diabetes-related complications in people with type 2 diabetes in their mid-20s had an alarming increase. They have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes since they were teenagers.
Study in The Lancet also shows that women aged 18-40 years have higher cases of type 2 diabetes than women aged 40-60 years. The increase in cases of type 2 diabetes in the younger age group also contributed to the increase in the number of diabetes cases in the world.
There are many things that are considered to affect the increase in cases of type 2 diabetes in this younger age group, one of which is because of effort screening Type 2 DM does better at a younger age. Not only that, studies also show that more and more young adults are obese. Keep in mind, obesity is also a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
The tendency for type 2 diabetes to be found at a younger age needs more serious attention. If this disease is not detected and well managed, the sufferer can experience various complications at a productive age.
“Being blind or undergoing amputation at the age of 21? It is very devastating to the heart,” explained the specialist in internal medicine Lipi Roy MD MPH, as reported Forbes, Tuesday (29/12).
Referring to various studies, Roy stated that there are three things that can be done to manage and even improve the condition of type 2 diabetes, one of which is a healthier diet or diet. For example, replacing fatty meat with lean meats and replacing simple carbohydrates with complex carbohydrates.
Apart from that, increased physical activity can also help. No need to do strenuous physical activity like a marathon. Just allow about 20 minutes for 4-5 days per week for a brisk walk.
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