Beware of Diabetes Mellitus in Young Adults

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is defined as a disease or chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels accompanied by disorders of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism as a result of a lack of the hormone insulin. This disease is often thought to only attack older people. In fact, diabetes can also occur in the young adult age group (18-40 years). Several studies state that there is an increase in the incidence of diabetes at a young age.

At a young age, most people tend to have unhealthy eating patterns. For example, many young people prefer fast food and sweet foods such as donuts, cakes, and boba drinks rather than consuming healthy foods. The following are several factors that can increase the risk factors for diabetes at a young age:

1. Obesity
2. Low physical activity
3. Sedentary lifestyle
4. Likes to consume fast food and is high in sugar
5. Have a family history of diabetes
6. Have a history of gestational diabetes

Get to know the characteristics of diabetes at a young age

The complaints of diabetes sufferers in old age and young adults are not much different, such as:

1. Frequent urination, especially at night (polyuria)
2. Frequently feeling thirsty (polydipsia)
3. Get hungry faster (polyphagia)
4. Weight loss for no apparent reason
5. Blurred vision
6. The body gets tired and weak easily
7. Dark skin patches in the folds of the neck or armpits
8. Wounds are difficult to heal

How to prevent diabetes in young adults?

1. Maintain ideal body weight.

Prevention efforts are carried out mainly through lifestyle changes. Strong evidence shows that lifestyle changes can prevent diabetes. Lifestyle changes should be the initial intervention for all patients especially high risk groups. Obesity is associated with an increased incidence of diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease. Ideal weight loss should be no more than 0.5 – 1 kg/week

2. Managing eating patterns.

Reduce foods and those high in carbohydrates and sugar. Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables that contain natural sugar as alternative foods.

3. Regular exercise.

Exercising at least 30 minutes per day can reduce the risk of diabetes. Regular exercise can also increase the hormone insulin and reduce blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus can also occur in young adults and the incidence continues to increase every year. Avoid risk factors for diabetes with a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and maintaining an ideal body weight. If you have symptoms like the above, immediately consult the nearest doctor. Prevention is better than cure.