Diabetes Is No Longer Associated Only with Old Age

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes or high blood sugar, is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. For many years, diabetes has often been considered a condition that primarily affects older adults.

However, this perception is changing. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, can also occur in people of working age. A diet high in calories and added sugars, lack of physical activity, excess body weight, and other factors can increase a person's risk of developing diabetes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that lifestyle factors, including unhealthy eating habits, physical inactivity, and excess body weight, contribute to the increasing risk of type 2 diabetes.

Therefore, diabetes is not only a concern for older adults. Recognizing the risk factors and symptoms early is important for everyone, including younger adults.

What Is Diabetes?

Simply put, the body needs glucose, or blood sugar, as one of its main sources of energy. After food is digested, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. The hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter the body's cells so it can be used for energy.

In diabetes, this process is disrupted. The body may not produce enough insulin, or insulin may not work effectively, resulting in insulin resistance. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream and blood sugar levels increase.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires long-term management. With appropriate treatment, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and routine monitoring, blood sugar levels can be controlled and the risk of complications can be reduced.

What Causes Diabetes and What Are the Risk Factors?

Diabetes is not caused by a single factor. Several factors can increase the risk, including:

1. An Unhealthy Diet

Regularly consuming foods and beverages that are high in added sugars, calories, and saturated fat can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

This does not mean that a person needs to completely eliminate all sources of carbohydrates or sugar from their diet. More importantly, focus on food quality, portion sizes, and overall dietary balance.

2. Lack of Physical Activity

Spending too much time sitting or following a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of various health conditions, including type 2 diabetes.

Regular physical activity helps the body use energy and supports healthy weight management.

3. Overweight or Obesity

Excess body weight is an important risk factor for type 2 diabetes because it can contribute to insulin resistance.

4. Genetics and Family History

Having a family history of diabetes can also increase a person's risk. However, not having a family member with diabetes does not mean that someone is completely free from the risk.

Lifestyle habits still play an important role in metabolic health.

Recognize the Symptoms of Diabetes with the 3 Ps

One reason diabetes needs to be taken seriously is that its symptoms may not always be obvious, particularly in the early stages.

Three classic symptoms associated with high blood sugar are commonly known as the 3 Ps:

• Polyuria: frequent urination, especially at night.
• Polydipsia: excessive thirst or drinking more than usual.
• Polyphagia: increased hunger or feeling hungry more often.

Other signs that may need attention include:

• unexplained weight loss;
• wounds that take a long time to heal;
• recurrent infections;
• blurred or changing vision;
• feeling unusually tired or fatigued.

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that a person has diabetes. However, if they occur repeatedly or several symptoms appear together, it is a good idea to seek medical evaluation.

How Can Weight Loss Be a Symptom of Diabetes?

At first glance, this may seem contradictory. Excess body weight is a risk factor for diabetes, but unexplained weight loss can also be a sign of diabetes.

When blood sugar levels are high and not properly controlled, glucose cannot be effectively used by the body's cells as an energy source. The body may then begin using other energy stores, which can lead to weight loss.

Therefore, unintentional weight loss without changes in diet or physical activity should not be ignored.

What Is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

There are several types of diabetes. Two of the most common are type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing a severe lack of insulin.

Type 1 diabetes can occur in children as well as young adults and requires insulin therapy.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It is associated with insulin resistance and impaired insulin production.

The risk can be influenced by various factors, including excess body weight, physical inactivity, diet, age, and genetics.

Importantly, type 2 diabetes can also occur in relatively young people. Therefore, the belief that diabetes is only a disease of older adults needs to be corrected.

Diabetes “Dry” and “Wet”: Is This a Real Classification?

The terms “dry diabetes” and “wet diabetes” are commonly used in everyday conversations in Indonesia. However, these terms are not medical classifications of diabetes.

Medically, diabetes includes several types, such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and other less common forms.

Therefore, when someone uses the terms “dry” or “wet” diabetes, they should not automatically be interpreted as referring to a specific medical type of diabetes. A proper medical examination and diagnosis by a healthcare professional are needed to determine the actual condition.

Is It True That People with Diabetes Cannot Eat Sugar at All?

This is one of the common misconceptions about diabetes.

Having diabetes does not necessarily mean that a person must completely eliminate all carbohydrates or sugar from their diet. Diabetes management focuses more on a balanced diet, portion control, food choices, and limiting excessive sugar and calorie intake.

The WHO also recommends a healthy diet and limiting foods and beverages that are high in free sugars as part of preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.

So, the question is not simply “Can people with diabetes eat sugar?” Instead, it is important to consider how much, how often, and how sugar fits into a person's overall dietary pattern.

Can People with Diabetes Exercise?

Yes. In fact, physical activity is an important part of both diabetes prevention and management.

For adults, the WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or approximately 30 minutes a day for five days. Activities may include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or other forms of exercise that are appropriate for an individual's ability and condition.

However, people with diabetes who have certain complications or specific health conditions may need to adjust the type and intensity of exercise. In such cases, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

Can Diabetes Be Cured?

This is one of the most common questions people ask after being diagnosed with diabetes.

For type 2 diabetes, the more appropriate term in certain situations is remission, rather than cure. Remission means that blood sugar levels return to a non-diabetes range for a period of time without the use of glucose-lowering medication.

However, remission does not mean that a person is permanently free from diabetes. Blood sugar levels can rise again, particularly if underlying risk factors return, such as weight gain.

Therefore, even when blood sugar levels are well controlled, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having regular health check-ups remain important.

How Can You Prevent Diabetes?

Preventing type 2 diabetes can start with simple everyday habits.

Follow a Balanced and Nutritious Diet

There is no need to completely eliminate rice or carbohydrates. Instead, focus on a balanced diet, pay attention to portion sizes, and choose nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, and appropriate sources of protein.

Reduce Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks can be a significant source of added sugar and calories. Therefore, make water or unsweetened beverages your primary choice.

Stay Physically Active

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. If you are not used to exercising, start gradually and increase your activity according to your ability.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Get Regular Health Check-Ups

Do not wait until symptoms appear before checking your blood sugar, particularly if you have risk factors for diabetes.

Tests such as fasting blood glucose and HbA1c can help healthcare professionals assess blood sugar levels. In general, diabetes can be diagnosed based on several criteria, including a fasting blood glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL or an HbA1c level of ≥6.5%, with specific diagnostic requirements.

What If You Have Already Been Diagnosed with Diabetes?

Receiving a diabetes diagnosis can understandably make a person feel shocked, worried, or confused. However, having diabetes does not mean that someone cannot live an active and meaningful life.

Important steps include:

1. Stay calm and learn about your condition.
2. Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations.
3. Attend regular medical check-ups.
4. Maintain a healthy diet and stay physically active.
5. Monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your healthcare professional.
6. Pay attention to your eye, kidney, nerve, foot, and other organ health as needed.
7. Build a strong social and emotional support system.

Diabetes can increase the risk of various complications, including problems affecting the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and feet. Maintaining good blood sugar control and having regular health checks can help reduce the risk of these complications.

You Don't Have to Manage Diabetes Alone

In addition to medical treatment and lifestyle changes, social support can help people live well with diabetes.

Communities can provide a space to share experiences, gain health education, encourage one another, and build healthy habits together.

One important message from the discussion in this podcast is that people living with diabetes do not have to see themselves as someone who has “lost” because of the disease. With the right knowledge, appropriate treatment, a healthy lifestyle, and support from others, diabetes can be managed.

Don't wait until complications develop. Know your risk factors, recognize the symptoms, and get regular health check-ups.

Conclusion

Diabetes is no longer a disease that only older adults need to worry about. People of working age can also develop diabetes, particularly when risk factors such as an unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and excess body weight are not properly managed.

Recognize the 3 Ps—frequent thirst, increased hunger, and frequent urination—as well as other warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, slow-healing wounds, recurrent infections, and changes in vision.

Most importantly, diabetes can be managed. Start with simple steps: eat a balanced diet, reduce sugary drinks, stay physically active, maintain a healthy weight, and have regular health check-ups.

Being healthy is not only about being free from disease. It is also about understanding your body and taking steps to protect your health.