SHAH ALAM, Dec 25 — Diabetes, a disease that was once associated with one’s sunset years, has creeped into the lives of younger people. Taking care of your health when one is young is not just preventive, but a long-term investment so our bodies continue to serve us without silent diseases.
Senior lecturer and family medicine expert from International Medical School, Management and Science University, Dr Haslina Mukhtar Aajamer, said those who appear skinny could be at risk of diabetes, dubbed the “thin outside, fat inside” phenomenon, where visceral fat accumulates around internal organs.
“This fat is more dangerous as it causes insulin resistance even if one’s body weight appears normal,” she said during Media Selangor’s Bicara Semasa programme.
When young, our bodies are still resilient and adaptive, and hide signs of diseases behind apparently normal daily routines. In its early stages, diabetes often doesn’t show clear signs, but your body could be telling you something.
It would be apparent through frequent hunger and thirst, frequent urination, skin infections that are slow to heal, and darker skin along folds and behind the neck.
“Many think it is grime or a small issue, when that’s the body’s early language to ask for attention,” Dr Haslina said.
Youth and lifestyles
In a fast-paced world, lifestyles also change. Sugary foods, instant meals, and viral eats have become teenagers’ way of life.
“Adolescents are easily influenced by peers and social media content, including viral food high in sugar and fat. Little by little, this habit forms a larger risk, and plants the seed for disease,” said Dr Haslina.
As much as 18.3 per cent of Malaysia’s diabetes patients are in Selangor, where cases nowadays are being detected in people as young as 18 to 30.
This figure isn’t just a mere statistic, but a warning that the threat is near and people are only starting to realise when the disease progresses to complications.
However, there is still hope. Diabetes is not a death sentence, and can be treated if detected early.
Dr Haslina urged a change in mindset, especially among youth, as silent diseases can only be defeated with timely awareness.
“The awareness to undergo health screenings every now and then is the best line of defence, because diabetes can affect anyone at any time,” Dr Haslina said.
