Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 17: For years, diabetes was considered a middle-age disease, slowly creeping in after decades of unhealthy habits. But in urban India, that notion is rapidly changing. Young adults in their 20s and 30s are now walking into clinics with blood sugar levels once seen only in older generations.
A two-year nationwide analysis by Neuberg Diagnostics reveals that 18% of Indians aged 18–40 are already diabetic, with another quarter prediabetic. The South, West, and Central regions show the highest incidence, nearly 43%, highlighting a lifestyle-driven epidemic taking hold. Contrary to popular belief, these trends aren’t a post-COVID phenomenon — increased testing is revealing the true scale of the problem.
Experts cite urban living as a major driver: long sedentary hours, high intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, late-night snacking, chronic stress, and irregular sleep cycles. Type-2 diabetes develops as the body becomes resistant to insulin, causing blood sugar to rise. For young adults, decades-long exposure increases the risk of early heart disease, kidney damage, nerve complications, and vision problems.
Genetics also plays a role. South Asians are prone to diabetes at lower body weights, meaning even lean-looking young adults are at risk if belly fat, stress, and poor sleep are present.
Doctors recommend early intervention through consistent lifestyle measures: annual HbA1c checks, a balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables and proteins, 30–45 minutes of daily activity, cutting sugary drinks, proper sleep, and regular stress management through yoga, walking, or mindfulness. Corporate wellness programs and workplace screenings can also help identify risks early.
“Diabetes isn’t waiting for middle age anymore,” warns Dr. Sujay Prasad, Chief Medical Director at Neuberg Diagnostics. “India is heading toward a metabolic crisis unless the youth act now.” Awareness and early action, experts say, are key to preventing prediabetes from progressing to a lifelong disease.