Under-35 and pre-diabetic? Expert answers all FAQs about the epidemic
The good news is that pre-diabetes is highly reversible, especially in young adults. Early intervention with long-term lifestyle change will normalise blood glucose levels and, to a significant degree, forestall the development of type 2 diabetes.
New Delhi: Diabetes was initially a concern largely for older adults. However, today's youth is showing pre-diabetes symptoms much sooner, as early as 35 years old. Be it excessive sugar intake or reliance upon simple carbs, obesity, or comorbidities like PCOD, several factors could be contributing to this shift. But to dig deeper into the causes and consequences of rising incidence, Dr. Mayur Mewada, Consultant Internal Medicine, K J Somaiya Hospital and Research Centre, answered all FAQs linked to the same.
What are the red flags or initial symptoms that young adults should not ignore in the event of pre-diabetes?
Pre-diabetes does not have any obvious symptoms, and that is the reason it is most commonly neglected in young adults. However, there may be certain signs that act as red flags. They could be occasional fatigue, increased thirst, increased need to urinate, blurry vision, delayed healing of wounds, or abrupt weight gain. Dark spots on the skin, especially around the neck or armpits (acanthosis nigricans), may also indicate insulin resistance. Weight and waist circumference need to be monitored in young adults as well—central obesity is a significant risk factor. In case one has a history of diabetes in the family, or leads a non-active lifestyle with high stress levels and poor eating habits, screening needs to be conducted regularly even in one's 20s.
Is it a genetic factor, or is it primarily lifestyle associated with this increase in younger cases?
There is a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes, especially in South Asians. The risk increases if either or both parents are diabetic. But the frightening increase in pre-diabetes in the under-35 group is largely lifestyle-related. Conditions such as poor diet (too much processed foods and sweets), physical inactivity, chronic stress, insufficient sleep, and a lifestyle dominated by screens are playing a much greater role now. Even those who are genetically at risk can omit or defer diabetes onset with intense lifestyle modification.
To what extent is pre-diabetes reversible in the under-35 population with prompt intervention and lifestyle modification?
The good news is that pre-diabetes is highly reversible, especially in young adults. Early intervention with long-term lifestyle change will normalise blood glucose levels and, to a significant degree, forestall the development of type 2 diabetes. This includes regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week), eating a balanced low-GI diet, weight loss (if overweight) by 5–7%, stress management, and good sleep. Ongoing monitoring also motivates individuals to comply.
Do you see a growing trend of pre-diabetes in individuals under age 35? What are the most common contributing factors?
Yes, we are seeing an increasing prevalence of pre-diabetes among the 20s and early 30s age group, particularly among urbanites. Such common contributory factors include sedentary desk jobs, excessive use of television/computer, irregular dining patterns, excessive consumption of fast foods, lifestyle stress, and physical inactivity. Increasing awareness, early detection, and timely lifestyle changes are the keys to preventing an oncoming diabetes epidemic among the young.