why is gen z at the highest risk of type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is among the most concerning conditions people of all ages face. Doctors say even though genetic factors play a major role in diabetes development, a few lifestyle habits that are practiced by the younger generation today significantly increase their risk.

Across the world, there are over 35 million children under the age of 5 who are overweight or obese, while over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years are overweight, including 160 million living with obesity. Childhood obesity is a growing phenomenon, leading to the once rare diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus, or T2DM, in a younger population becoming more and more common.

Studies say T2DM has shot up by more than 35 per cent in youngsters aged between 20 and 39 years. Other research says there has been a 120 per cent increase in cardiometabolic risk among the younger individuals. According to experts, obesity and family history of diabetes remain the primary contributing factors for the rising prevalence in both groups.

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What happens when a youngster gets diagnosed with diabetes?

If you get diagnosed with diabetes early, doctors say the condition puts you at a heightened risk of many underlying diseases like heart issues, which include high blood pressure levels, failing kidneys, and effects on the liver and eyes.

Many other issues, like diabetes-related retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts and glaucoma, ulcers and infections, oral health issues, nerve damage, skin problems, and an increased risk of stroke, increase.

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Why are Gen Zs more prone to type 2 diabetes?

According to doctors, most of those who come under Gen Z – those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s – are leading unhealthy lives with dependency on junk and processed foods, less outdoor activities, and consuming sugary beverages linked to poor dietary choices – all of which are main reasons why obesity and diabetes risk are increasing.

Experts say type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and the above-mentioned lifestyle factors. Essentially, when your body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, it causes elevated blood sugar levels.

How can youngsters reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes?

To take control and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, especially among Gen Z, you must:

Lose extra weight

According to the American Diabetes Association, those with prediabetes should lose at least 5 to 7 per cent of their body weight to prevent diabetes. More weight loss can turn into even greater benefits.

Exercise

You can gain many benefits from getting regular physical activity, like weight loss, low blood sugar levels, a boost to your sensitivity to insulin, and a spike in aerobic fitness.

Do strength and balance training twice a week for quick results.

Eat healthy foods

Eating a vegetarian or plant-based diet gives you more access to vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, which provide more energy and roughage. High fibre foods promote weight loss and lower the risk of diabetes. Eat a variety of healthy foods like fruits, non-starchy vegetables, leafy greens,

Eat healthy fats

Avoid eating many fatty foods that are high in calories. To help lose and manage weight, your diet should include a variety of foods with unsaturated fats.