SINGAPORE: Singaporean doctors are reporting a notable rise in the number of younger patients diagnosed with diabetes, with some as young as 30 years old. Doctors speaking to the Chinese daily attributed this concerning trend to sedentary modern lifestyles.
Local clinics said they observed that approximately 25 per cent of type 2 diabetes patients fall within the age range of 30 and 40. Moreover, recent years have seen a significant 10 per cent increase in the number of patients within this age group, indicating a troubling shift in the diabetes landscape.
Experts attribute this rise to the escalating pressures of contemporary life, where sedentary habits have become the norm. Many individuals in their 30s and 40s are immersed in demanding work schedules, leaving them with limited time for physical activity. The prevalence of fast food and light meals, rich in processed sugars, further compounds the issue, contributing to the early onset of diabetes.
Paradoxically, the surge in health consciousness has also influenced this trend. The increased acceptance of health testing has led individuals to seek medical attention more frequently.
Unlike in the past, when diabetes was often discovered only when symptoms manifested, proactive health monitoring now allows for early detection. While this can lead to timely intervention, it also underscores the urgency for preventive measures.
Medical professionals emphasize the adage “prevention is better than cure” and urge the public to prioritize their dietary choices and overall health. Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle is seen as a crucial step in averting the onset of diabetes, with doctors stressing the potential for lifestyle modifications to delay or even reverse the disease.