Alarming trend seen in diabetes among youth: Lifestyle, stress to blame

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In Bengaluru, a worrying trend is emerging: the high prevalence of diabetes among young people. Recent studies suggest that over a quarter of the city’s urban residents have either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes.

This translates to roughly 30 per cent of the population dealing with diabetes or prediabetes, indicating abnormal blood sugar regulation. These statistics are significantly higher than previous national estimates for India, spotlighting a specific health challenge for Bengaluru's youth.

Several factors are contributing to this rise in diabetes among young Bengalureans. Two major culprits are unhealthy eating habits and decreased physical activity.

The city’s fast-paced culture often leads to increased consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks, while long commutes and extensive screen time leave little room for exercise.

Additionally, genetics play a role, as South Asians are more susceptible to insulin resistance. This combination of factors creates a perfect storm for the early onset of diabetes.

Dr. S. Satish Kumar, Head of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Bariatric Medicine at Sister RV Hospital, explains, “The incidence and prevalence of Type 1 diabetes are increasing due to a rise in autoimmune conditions and exposure to infections that trigger pancreatic beta-cell destruction. Type 2 diabetes is on the rise due to increased rates of overweight and obesity, lack of regular physical activity, rising stress levels, and air pollution.”

He highlights the role of processed foods, fast food, decreased physical activity and disorganised sleep patterns in increasing diabetes risk among youngsters.

The urban environment and socioeconomic status in Bengaluru also contribute, with easily available processed food, increased purchasing power, multiple transportation choices reducing walking and fewer playgrounds promoting physically inactive lifestyles.

Young adults, in particular, are more prone to developing diabetes.

As Dr. Kumar notes, 'Young adults are financially independent, which increases their purchasing power. Many are in sedentary jobs like IT and call centres, leading to stressful lifestyles, easy access to junk food and disorganised sleeping patterns.”

Early warning signs of diabetes that parents and young people should be aware of include generalised tiredness, increased urination, particularly at night, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss and delayed healing of wounds.

"The impact of a diabetes diagnosis at a young age on mental and emotional wellbeing can be profound, leading to depression, reduced educational progress, selfneglect and disturbed interpersonal relationships," said Dr. Kumar.

Support systems in Bengaluru include psychologists and counselling teams to help young patients cope.

Prevention of diabetes in youngsters is possible through adopting a healthy lifestyle and food habits, such as reducing the intake of processed and fast food, regular walking, exercise, yoga, swimming, cycling and maintaining healthy sleeping habits.