Alarming Rise in Type 2 Diabetes Among Young Adults
Diabetes rates among individuals in their 20s and younger are climbing sharply, outpacing increases in older age groups. Recent data shows this trend demands immediate attention, as young patients face heightened risks of severe complications if unmanaged.
Significant Growth in Young Patient Numbers
From 2020 to 2024, the number of diabetes patients aged 20 and under rose from 40,271 to 59,732, reflecting an average annual increase of 6.6%. This surpasses the 1.8% growth in the 30-50 age group and the 5.6% rise among those 60 and older.
Sedentary lifestyles and high-sugar processed foods drive this surge, limiting physical activity and promoting unhealthy habits across all ages.
Expert Insights on Youth Vulnerabilities
Na Bu-bin, head of endocrinology at Bundang Jesaeng Hospital, notes, “Irregular hours, standardized meals, and even active jobs contribute to rising diabetes in young people.” He adds, “Sedentary work, long commutes, and irregular living patterns heighten anxiety over diabetes risks.”
Underestimated Dangers for the Young
Many young individuals question, “Could it be me?” despite elevated risks. Unmanaged diabetes leads to complications like kidney failure, retinopathy, vascular congestion, and mangmakbyeongjeung. In youth, it manifests boldly during active periods, emerging as a major health threat.
Shin Dong-hyun, deputy director of endocrinology at an internal medicine clinic, explains, “Repeated sun exposure during peak activity builds significant change in eyes, skin, joints, and nerves if blood sugar remains uncontrolled.” He emphasizes proactive blood sugar management to mitigate these dangers.
Essential Prevention Strategies
Health authorities recommend annual checkups, including fasting blood sugar, HbA1c tests, and others at least every three years. Even non-obese adolescents show rising type 2 diabetes cases, linked to genetic factors, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Targeted Lifestyle Interventions
Maintaining normal blood sugar requires individualized lifestyle choices. Moderate exercise—over 150 minutes weekly of brisk walking, full-body movements, or swimming—combined with 2-3 strength sessions boosts health significantly. Post-meal 10-15 minute walks aid digestion and blood sugar control.
Dietary Guidelines for Stability
Vegetable-focused, low-calorie options prove essential. A standard 200ml serving includes 2 cups mixed vegetables and mushrooms, 3-4 cups vegetables (excluding root veggies), 1.5-2 cups danbaekjil (excluding fatty meats, processed foods), 1 cup oil and fat or dressings, 0.5 cups vegetable fiber like kelp, and under 1 cup grains.
Follow the sequence: vegetables → danbaekjil → tansuhwamul to optimize blood sugar levels. Swapping high-risk foods like instant meals with these practices yields results.
Even office workers can achieve stability through consistent diet and exercise, securing a healthier future free from diabetes worries.
