Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Diabetes!!. Let’s dive in!
Are age-related diseases becoming younger?
Aging diseases in young adults?! The alarming rise in diabetes—why is it spreading so confidently?
When scrolling through social media feeds, we frequently come across:
- Pictures of trendy, Instagram-worthy hotspots
- Delicious-looking meals and snacks, appearing multiple times a day.
Recently, sweet treats like colorful desserts, sugar-coated pastries, and visually stunning drinks have become viral sensations worldwide. From vibrant candy-coated treats to loaded milkshakes topped with candies and whipped cream, these trendy snacks are being shared and enjoyed everywhere.
However, with their rising popularity comes a warning:
“Young generations hooked on sugary indulgences are raising a red flag for blood sugar management!”
Why is this specific trend drawing attention globally? Research indicates a concerning rise in diabetes cases among younger people across the world.
The association between sugary diets and early-onset Type 2 diabetes is increasingly evident, leading to growing concern among health professionals. Younger generations may be overlooking the long-term risks of consuming excessive sugar, potentially normalizing unhealthy eating habits as part of their daily routines.
Today, let’s take a closer look at how these modern trends may impact young people’s health and the steps needed to protect our well-being.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes refers to a condition where blood sugar (glucose) levels are elevated, causing glucose to overflow into the urine.
Glucose serves as the body’s energy source, but it requires insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, to be used effectively.
When insulin is insufficient or not functioning properly, glucose cannot be absorbed and remains in the blood, eventually being excreted in urine.
In short:
Diabetes is a condition caused by either a lack of insulin or decreased insulin functionality, leading to high blood sugar and associated complications.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is generally classified into two types:
-
Type 1 Diabetes
Occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are destroyed, leading to insufficient insulin production. -
Type 2 Diabetes
Occurs when insulin is produced but fails to act effectively in the body.
Type 2 diabetes is influenced by factors like Westernized diets, lack of exercise, stress, and genetic predisposition. Most diabetes cases in Korea fall into this category.
Impact of Type 2 Diabetes:
Prolonged high blood glucose levels can impair blood vessel function, leading to conditions like atherosclerosis and various complications.
Increase in Diabetes Among the Gen Y and Gen Z
According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service released in November, diabetes cases among people in their 20s and 30s increased by 24% between 2018 and 2022, outpacing the overall diabetes increase rate of 21%.
Specifically, diabetes cases in individuals in their 20s rose by 47%.
Despite the sharp increase, many young people are unaware of their condition.
For example, an awareness survey conducted by the American Diabetes Association revealed that 63% of U.S. adults aged 18–29 did not know their fasting or post-meal blood sugar levels.
Why Is Type 2 Diabetes Increasing Among Young Adults?
The main cause of Type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance, which is associated with factors like age, obesity, and lifestyle habits.
Dietary Causes:
- Meat-heavy diets
- Overeating and binge eating
- High-fat foods
- Frequent consumption of sugary foods
Obesity:
The rising obesity rates among young adults are a major factor. Obesity leads to insulin resistance, where insulin fails to work effectively in the body.
Additionally, people of Asian descent, including Koreans, have smaller pancreases and produce less insulin than Westerners. This makes them more vulnerable to diabetes when obesity occurs.
Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes
A diagnosis of diabetes requires meeting at least one of the following criteria:
- HbA1c ≥ 6.5%
- Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL after 8 hours of fasting
- Plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL two hours after a 75g oral glucose tolerance test
- Classic symptoms of diabetes (frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss) and random plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL
Early Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes can sometimes develop without any noticeable symptoms, so regular health checkups are essential.
The three major symptoms of diabetes are:
- Frequent urination
- Increased appetite
- Excessive thirst
Other symptoms include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Skin problems and itching
Does Eating Too Many Sweets Cause Diabetes?
No, eating sweets alone does not directly cause diabetes.
However, high-calorie sweet foods can increase obesity risk, which in turn raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Key Statistics:
- Around 80% of Type 2 diabetes patients are obese.
- Severely obese individuals have an 80-fold increased risk of diabetes compared to those with normal weight.
Can Fruit Be Harmful for Diabetes?
Fruits should be consumed in moderation, considering daily sugar intake. Whole fruits with fiber are better than juices or purees.
Recommendation:
- 1/3 of an apple once or twice a day.
Is Diabetes Genetic? How Can It Be Prevented?
Diabetes has a 30–70% genetic influence, but environmental factors like lifestyle choices also play a significant role.
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
5 Lifestyle Tips for Diabetes Prevention
- Control your diet and maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week.
- Eat balanced meals with plenty of vegetables and whole grains.
- Cultivate healthy habits like sleeping well and avoiding excessive alcohol.
- Get regular checkups to monitor risk factors.
Though diabetes was once considered an age-related disease, it’s now clear that it affects all age groups. Prevention and management are more critical than ever.
Take a moment to reflect on your current lifestyle and dietary habits. Let’s commit to breaking free from diabetes with proactive health management!
Warm wishes for your health!
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
