Diabetes is traditionally considered a disease of middle or old age, but more and more young adults are also developing this condition of late. This may be due to genetic risk, lifestyle changes, and high stress levels. It is harder for an individual to plan his or her career and financial independence, when affected by diabetes at a very young age.
Here are 10 things, no one tells you about having diabetes in your 20s:
- Diabetes in 20s does not mean you cannot lead a normal life:
Young people with diabetes often feel overwhelmed by restrictions and loss of freedom. But the truth is, with correct and timely medical support and lifestyle modifications, you have the freedom to travel, study, party and work just like your friends.
- Food guilt can be troublesome:
Many young individuals struggle when they are forced to attend a surprise party, or when they have late night pizzas and street foods. The trick is not to avoid these completely but to be mindful in controlling the portions and meal timings and compensating by performing adequate physical activity.
- Alcohol and late nights hit harder:
Young people enjoy parties and social drinks. But when a individual with diabetes takes alcohol, blood sugars can fluctuate erratically. Keeping late nights without proper food timings can badly affect sugar control.
- Mental health matters as much as physical health:
Anxiety and stress can increase your sugars. Having diabetes at a young age can feel overwhelming. Seeking emotional and mental health support is essential and should never be ignored.
- Be bold and courageous to face your peers:
Friends, colleagues and roommates may not understand your conditions fully. Be bold enough to express what you experience especially at the time of hypos and hypers. It can be life-saving.
- Technology can be your best friend:
CGM, mobile apps, health trackers and pedometers can make life of young people with diabetes easier. Try to utilise technological assistance for real time monitoring of sugars, fitness tracking and AI-based suggestions.
- Your fitness routine needs fine tuning:
As we know, we all need regular exercise. But overdoing exercise without proper food can be harmful. Do not focus only on high intensity workouts. Mix this with strength training and yoga.
- Skipping checkups is risky:
In your 20s, it is often boring to consult a doctor regularly. But regular monitoring and periodic check ups can improve your quality of life in the long run.
- Relationships may need extra care:
Talk openly with your life partner about your diabetes status and regimen. It strengthens their trust and prevents miscommunications.
- You become more resilient than you think:
Living with diabetes in your 20s builds discipline, strengthens self-awareness and resilience. It may feel overwhelming at times, but often teaches skills to handle tough situations.
Dr. V. Mohan, Chairman of Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, shares 3 important reminders every young adult with diabetes should know:
- Practise healthy habits early in your life: The food you eat, physical activity you do and the way with which you manage stress in your 20s can have an impact on your life to prevent diabetes and complications in the long run.
- Periodic check-ups are important: Doing an annual health check-up including your eyes, heart, kidneys and feet is essential right from the initial stages of diabetes. By this, we can detect and prevent diabetes complications effectively.
- Tech can be your friend: Health apps, fitness trackers, glucose monitoring devices and heart beat trackers are helpful in monitoring blood sugars, blood pressure and heart rate in real time.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes at a young age, remember that you are not alone. There are many individuals diagnosed with diabetes at a young age who have led full and healthy lives with no complications. With awareness, support and the right care, you too can live your life to the fullest.
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