Diabetes Rising Among Youth in Hyderabad

Kamineni Hospital’s World Diabetes Day Initiative Offers ₹500 Screening Package

The rising incidence of diabetes among young adults is becoming a serious health concern, with cases nearly doubling in just two to three years. Dr. G. Sandeep Reddy, a consultant diabetologist at Kamineni Hospital, shared these findings with the media on the eve of World Diabetes Day. He emphasized the urgent need for lifestyle changes and routine screenings to manage diabetes risks effectively.

 

Diabetes in Young Adults: The Surge and Its Causes

Historically, diabetes was most often seen in people over the age of 40. However, lifestyle factors, particularly stress and sedentary habits, are contributing to an alarming increase in cases among individuals in their 20s and 30s. Dr. Reddy attributes this surge to several factors:

  • Unhealthy Eating Habits: The trend of ordering fast food rather than cooking at home has increased the consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods like pizzas and burgers, leading to weight gain and insulin resistance.
  • Sedentary Lifestyles: Long hours of sitting, whether at work or during leisure time, have been shown to be as harmful as smoking, impacting metabolic health and increasing the risk of diabetes.
  • Stress: High-stress environments, especially in work settings, exacerbate the body’s risk factors for diabetes.

 

Recognizing Diabetes Early: Importance of Routine Screenings

One of the key challenges with diabetes is that it often progresses without noticeable symptoms, leading many to delay diagnosis until the condition has advanced. Dr. Reddy emphasizes the importance of routine screenings, particularly for those with a family history of diabetes or who are overweight. He recommends beginning regular diabetes tests from age 20, with a focus on the following:

  • Fasting Blood Sugar
  • Postprandial Blood Sugar
  • HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)

Relying solely on random blood sugar tests may miss early indicators of diabetes, so comprehensive testing is critical for early detection and management. Symptoms like frequent hunger, thirst, and urination often appear once the disease has progressed, making preventive screenings essential.

 

Complications of Unmanaged Diabetes

Diabetes that is not well-managed can lead to serious complications, including damage to vital organs like the eyes, kidneys, liver, and heart. Mental health impacts are also common; blood sugar fluctuations can impair brain function, leading to anxiety and depression. Social isolation may also occur due to the inconvenience of symptoms like frequent urination.

For those diagnosed with diabetes, family and social support play a significant role in managing both the emotional and physical challenges of the disease.

 

Healthy Habits: Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

Dr. Reddy advises those with or at risk of diabetes to focus on a balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Specific tips include:

  • Vegetable-Rich Breakfasts: Begin your day with vegetables, limiting foods like idli or dosa.
  • Smart Carbohydrate Choices: Incorporate millet, brown rice, or black rice instead of white rice.
  • Protein Intake: Emphasize lean proteins and green vegetables to stabilize blood sugar levels.

 

These dietary adjustments can help mitigate the effects of diabetes and improve overall health.

 

Is Reversing Diabetes Possible?

For some individuals, particularly young adults with high C-peptide levels or those managing diabetes on minimal medication, it may be possible to reverse diabetes. However, reversing diabetes is not achievable for everyone and requires continuous healthy habits, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. Dr. Reddy cautions against relying on unproven diets or rituals and stresses the importance of scientifically-backed medical treatments.

 

Comprehensive Diabetes Care at Kamineni Hospital, Hyderabad

Kamineni Hospital offers a full spectrum of diabetes care, with endocrinologists, diabetologists, dietitians, and physiotherapists available to create personalized treatment plans. In addition to medical treatments, patients receive guidance on dietary and exercise routines, addressing all aspects of diabetes management in one location.

 

Special Diabetic Package on World Diabetes Day

To mark World Diabetes Day, Kamineni Hospital has introduced a special diabetic screening package. Available only on November 14 from 9 AM to 3 PM, this package includes:

  • RBC Count
  • HbA1c
  • Lipid Profile
  • Height and Weight Measurements
  • Blood Pressure Check
  • BMI Calculation
  • Consultations with Diabetologists and Dietitians

 

The package, typically priced at ₹3,850, is being offered for just ₹500 for cash payments only. Dr. Sudheer and Dr. Jesin, Family Medicine Consultants at Kamineni Hospital, encourage everyone, particularly those at higher risk, to take advantage of this opportunity for early detection and proactive diabetes management.

With diabetes on the rise, especially among Hyderabad’s younger population, early diagnosis and preventive care have never been more critical. Dr. Reddy’s message is clear: making healthier lifestyle choices and getting regular screenings can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes and its complications.

This World Diabetes Day, take control of your health. Make an appointment at Kamineni Hospital for a comprehensive screening and begin your journey towards better health.

Quick Enquiry

Departments

Second Opinion