Got Diabetes Before Age 40, What’s the Cause?

Many people still think that diabetes is a disease that only occurs in the elderly, even though someone who is in the young age category can also be affected by this disease. Why diabetes can strike before the age of 40 years? Check out the full explanation in the following review.
Why Diabetes Can Occur Before the Age of 40 Years?
Although diabetes is known as a disease that occurs with age, an unhealthy lifestyle makes people at a young age also susceptible to this disease.
The main reason why diabetes is more common at a young age is being overweight. Some conditions that can cause excess body weight include: frequent consumption of fast food, excessive calorie and sugar intake, and rarely exercise.
In addition, another cause of developing diabetes before the age of 40 is stress. Usually, young people with type 2 diabetes have a family history of diabetes; it could be one or both parents.
Meanwhile, the symptoms of diabetes at a young age are the same as cases of diabetes at an older age. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination at night.
- Often thirsty.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Often feel hungry.
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
- Feeling very tired.
- Very dry skin.
- Wounds are hard to heal.
Also Read: Rarely Realized, Here Are 11 Early Symptoms of Diabetes You Need to Watch Out for
If you have any of the above symptoms, see a doctor immediately to have your blood sugar level checked.
A study revealed that a person diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before the age of 40 is 2.5 times more likely to die before the age of 75; when compared to people diagnosed in their 60s.
In this study it was revealed that participants who came from South Asia and had a high body mass index (BMI) were very susceptible to developing diabetes at a young age.
A number of diabetes complications that need to be watched out for include: blindness, heart failure, amputation, to reduce life expectancy by up to 10 years.
How to Prevent Diabetes Before the Age of 40
Preventing the occurrence of this disease is something that is important to avoid complications. Here are some ways to prevent diabetes before the age of 40, including:
1. Increase Physical Activity
Being physically active is the most important way to prevent blood sugar from rising. If you feel you have minimal physical activity, try moderate intensity sports such as brisk walking, gardening, and doing various household chores.
In order to get maximum results, consultation with a doctor is necessary before you start increasing physical activity
2. Weight Loss
Losing weight can make you healthier metabolically and improve many aspects of diabetes.
For that, increase protein consumption and reduce carbohydrate intake. In short, sufficient calories and nutrients are necessary for a healthy lifestyle.
3. Quit Smoking
If you are a smoker, try to quit this habit. A study shows that the nicotine content found in cigarettes can increase blood sugar levels.
Also Read: 9 Bad Habits That Can Trigger Diabetes
4. Controlling Stress
As previously explained, stress can trigger diabetes before the age of 40. Therefore, reduce stress with positive activities such as listening to music, dancing, counseling, meditation or yoga.
5. Enough Sleep
Adequate sleep of around 7 hours a day can help prevent a number of diseases, one of which is diabetes. Good quality sleep can lower blood sugar levels naturally.
In addition, coupled with a healthy diet and avoid consuming foods that are at risk of increasing blood sugar.
- Anonymous. 2022. Diabetic Symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/symptoms.html. (Accessed February 3, 2023)
- Anonymous. 2022. Diabetes before 40: Signs and symptoms of diabetes in young; tips to prevent it. https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/diabetes-before-40-signs-and-symptoms-of-diabetes-in-young-tips-to-prevent-it-101667712251395.html. (Accessed February 3, 2023)
- Matthews, Tephen. 2018. Adults who get type 2 diabetes before they hit 40 are 2.5 TIMES more likely to die before the age of 75, reveals study. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-5500949/The-dangers-diagnosed-diabetes-turn-40.html. (Accessed February 3, 2023)
- Upham, Becky. 2019. A Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis Before Age 40 Raises Heart Disease Risk, Study Finds. https://www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-before-raises-heart-disease-risk/. (Accessed February 3, 2023)
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