Rise in diabetes in 25+ age group

Over the last five years, there is a 10 percent increase in diabetes cases among 20-year-olds. Today being World Diabetes Day and November being identified as Diabetes Awareness Month, medical practitioners tell Metrolife about increasing diabetes cases and how to keep it at bay.

Dr Vinayaka G P, general physician with BR Life SSNMC Hospital, says that the onset of cases in diabetes has been increasing in Bengalureans who are in their mid-20s. 

“We also regularly get patients who are in their 40s. There is a 20 to 30 percent hike in diabetes cases in the last two years. The reasons can be routed to bad lifestyle choices, lack of exercises and sleep patterns,” he says. 

Over the years, there are more and more people on graveyard shifts, which has also affected their health pattern.  Dr Sushma Rani Raji, head of department of nephrology at Sakra World Hospital point out that diabetes and related kidney problems are on a rise. “Diabetic nephropathy can be seen in many stages. The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes (adult onset diabetes) is more where kidney connected ailments also rise than Type 1 (juvenile diabetes),” she adds.

In the last five years, diabetes amongst youngsters has approximately risen by 10 to 15 percent, she adds. “Age group is decreasing and genetic factors play an important role. Modifiable risk factors like inactivity and consumption of high-calorie food are common reasons that contribute to the onset,” she adds. 

The surge of big food retail chains and packed products have also contributed a lot, she adds. “While most youngsters are independent, their diet choices are not regulated. There is around 80 percent rise in intake in processed foods,” says Dr Sushma.   

Diabetes is often detected with other health conditions too, says Dr Srinath Aswathiah, Consultant - endocrinology from BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals. 

“It’s surprising that many patients who have diabetes also have hypertension and they are overweight but do not realise it. These are a common sight among many and are often observed together,” he adds. 

Dr Srinath adds, “I often receive cases which could have got complicated if not spotted in time. Increased diabetes can affect vision, kidneys can get affected and even result in a failure, nerves can experience issues, cause burning sensation in the feet and even result in a heart attack.”

There is a 10 percent hike in diabetes cases, he points out. He observes that regular health check-ups are a must. “Routine checkups always help pick up conditions early and medication works faster when spotted at an earlier stage,” he says. 

Follow a regime

- Brisk walk for more than 30 minutes or jog for more than 15 to 20 minutes daily.

- Cardio exercises at the gym, cycling or swimming are other good options. Exercise regularly.

- Avoid carbohydrate-rich food and junk food like pasta, pizzas etc.

- Rice can be replaced by millets as they have a lesser glycemic index.

- Ragi or wheat are also feasible.

- Aerated drinks are a strict no.

- Regular intake of sugar-rich items should be avoided.

Junk food Healthy alternate

Cold coffee - Fruit milk shake

Masala chai/green tea - Tea with cinnamon, elaichi or basil

Breakfast cereals with honey - Add nuts like raisins, dried cranberries and fruit instead of sugar or honey

Milk sweet - One date piece post meal

Mints/mouth freshner - Cardamom or basil

French fries/ finger chips - Cucumber, carrot crispies

Cheese - Paneer

Cakes/fruit cake - Whole-wheat banana pancakes

Instant noodles - Stuffed veg paranthas, uttappams

Instant oats - Multi-millet dosa

Packed juices - Fresh fruits

Potato chips - Kale chips, lettuce crispies

Finding alternate measures

Dr Priyanka Rohatgi, chief clinical dietician of Apollo Hospitals, says that it is best to find alternate healthier options for sugar. “Coconut sugar, maple sugar, raw honey, molasses, maple syrup, date syrup, brown rice syrup, barley malt syrup, sorghum syrup, yacon syrup, dried fruit and stevia are great health alternates,” she adds.