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Diabetes in Young Adults: Causes, Symptoms & Modern Treatment Options

Diabetes in Young Adults: Causes, Symptoms & Modern Treatment Options
Understanding-Heart-Disease Young adults are known for their unlimited energy, full days, and living things in a flux. Yet, sometimes hunger, persistent thirst, and unaccountable weakness can be the signs of a serious problem – diabetes. 
The condition known as diabetes is progressively becoming a major health issue among the youth of India, which was once a disease affecting mostly older ones. The earlier the disease is developed, the more the danger of the later complications will be. Being aware of the reasons, symptoms, and modern therapies is a must for young adults if they want to have a healthier future.
In this article we will address diabetes in young adults with the help of the best endocrinologist in Hisar and help in finding the best preventive measures. 

Why Diabetes in Young Adults is a Growing Concern?

India is one of the countries with the youngest populations in the world. A recent study reveals that Type 2 diabetes in India is found about 20 years earlier than in the rest of the world, thereby the patients are usually youngsters in their 20s and 30s. The findings of the research suggest that approximately 8–10% of young adults suffer from Type 2 diabetes, and that 15% are in the prediabetic stage. The development of the disease at a young age not only hampers the normal living but also the possibility of having heart disease and increasing complications at a young age.

Types of Diabetes in Young Adults

Among young adults, diabetes is not one disease, but it can be manifested in various ways. Knowing the types of diabetes is the basis for good diagnosis, treatment, and management.

1. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

It’s an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-making cells in the pancreas, but it kills the cells that produce insulin completely. Although it is generally identified in kids or teenagers, the onset can occur at any age. So people with Type 1 diabetes are obliged to take insulin for the rest of their lives, which will help them keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.

2. Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

Type 2 diabetes used to be known as an “adult-onset” disease, but today it is happening to younger patients as well. It is caused by insulin resistance, that is the body’s cells don’t react normally to insulin, and also result in slow decrease in insulin production. The risk factors consist of overweight, inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, and inheritance from the family. 

3. Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a transitional period wherein the levels of blood glucose are above the normal range but not sufficient to give a diabetes diagnosis. Studies indicate that around 70% of individuals who have prediabetes are likely to develop Type 2 diabetes in case they continue their current lifestyle. The positive part is that this phase can be reversed in most cases with proper lifestyle changes, e.g., consistent physical activity, portion control, and healthy eating.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

The rise of diabetes in young adults is majorly influenced by the factors below:

  1. Heredity: The presence of diabetes in the family line is a great predictor of the risk of the same disease.
  1. Obesity: Carrying too much weight especially around the stomach area is what leads the body to become insulin resistant.
  1. Sedentary lifestyle: Not doing enough exercise makes the body more resistant to insulin.
  1. Unhealthy diet: Regular eating high in sugar and processed foods will cause your blood sugar level to increase.
  1. Cholesterol imbalance: The high level of triglycerides and the low level of HDL (the good cholesterol) make the person at risk.
  1. Smoking: The use of tobacco products makes the body even more resistant to insulin.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Diabetes warning signs are quite different from each other depending on whether it is Type 1 or Type 2, and in some situations, symptoms may appear slowly. Some of the common symptoms are given below:

Type 1 Diabetes symptoms:

  • Strong thirst and more frequent urination
  • Rapid weight loss even though the appetite is increased
  • Lack of energy and mood swings
  • Unclear vision
  • Sweet-smelling breath, which can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis

Type 2 Diabetes symptoms:

  • Extreme exhaustion
  • Slow development of the body without explanation of weight changes
  • Frequent infections or wounds that take a long time to heal
  • Dark, thick, somewhat hairy skin around the neck or armpits (a sign of insulin resistance)
  • Moreover, there is itching, and yeast infection can develop in the genital area.

How Diabetes is Diagnosed in Young Adults

Most often, the diagnosis of diabetes is established by doctors through the following tests:

  1. Fasting Blood Sugar Test: A diagnosis of diabetes is made when the blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL or higher.
  1. HbA1c Test: Shows the blood glucose level over the last 2–3 months; ≥6.5% is diabetes.
  1. Random Blood Sugar Test: Very high levels ≥200 mg/dL plus symptoms point to diabetes.
  1. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): If the glucose concentration at two hours is equal to or exceeds 200 mg/dL shows diabetes.

Modern Treatment Approach for Managing Diabetes

Along with lifestyle changes, such as nutritious diet and proper sleep, there are following ways to manage diabetes, such as:  

1. Advanced Technologies In Diabetes Care

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): The use of a sensor that is worn on the body and constantly checks the glucose level, thus making frequent finger-prick tests unnecessary.

Insulin Pumps: These are the devices which provide steady insulin, allowing better glucose stability.

Patch pumps and tubeless devices: It’s the best choice for someone seeking comfort and ease of use who are managing with their busy schedules.

2. Medications and Insulin Therapy

Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin injections or an insulin pump are used to manage the condition.

Type 2 Diabetes: Oral medications and injectable therapies are used and Insulin is prescribed when other medications do not work.

Final Thoughts

It is no longer uncommon for young adults to have diabetes and treating that requires focus on health. A proper lifestyle along with a correct diagnosis and treatment also make it easy to handle diabetes. Youngsters using new technologies, under the supervision of doctors and close to supportive environments, are very much likely to enjoy lively and gratifying lives. 

The best endocrinologist in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City is the answer to all endocrinology-related questions. He is committed to giving each and every patient a customized, world-class, safe treatment for their health in the long run.

FAQs

Q1. Can young adults develop diabetes even if they are not overweight?

Ans. Indeed, genetics, lifestyle habits, and family history may be the reasons for diabetes in people with a normal body weight.

Q2. Are insulin pumps better than injections for young patients?

Ans. Insulin pumps offer more control and greater convenience, but the choice depends on the patient’s lifestyle and clinical condition.

Q3. How often should young adults with risk factors be screened for diabetes?

Ans. It is advisable to conduct the test every 1–2 years for individuals with a family history, obesity, or other risk factors.

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Alka-Bishnoi
ALKA BISHNOI

DIABETOLOGIST & ENDOCRINOLOGIST

Struggling with diabetes or hormone issues? Discover expert care with Dr. Alka Bishnoi, top Diabetologist & Endocrinologist near you!