Type 2 diabetes increasing in the age group of 35-40 years in Pune

~        Stress, unhealthy lifestyle are resulting in diabetes

April 5, 2016, Pune: On the occasion of World Health Day, April 7, 2016, a study by Indus Health Plus  revealed that Type 2 diabetes is rising in the age group of 35-40 years as compared to last year, resulting from unhealthy lifestyle, lack of physical activity and stress. The sample size for the study was 23,145 people who underwent preventive health check-up during January 2015 – February 2016.Indus Health Plus Abnormality report states that there is a rapid increase in the number of lifestyle diseases like cancer, diabetes and ischemic heart disease amongst Punekars. Obesity induced Diabetes is increasing by x % amongst working population of Pune.

Mr. Amol Naikawadi, Preventive Healthcare Specialist, Indus Health Plus says, “The incidences of Type 2 diabetes are high amongst adults (35-40 years) of Pune. It is not only prevalent in older age group but is affecting the youngsters. Timely and regular check-up can reduce the risk of diabetes. Government and private players should introduce strategies and programmes to educate people about signs, symptoms and early diagnosis which will help beat Diabetes and empowering individual to adopt healthy choices.”

Key findings from the survey:

• 8% of the heart problems in males in comparison to females have been increased from previous year
• Almost 15-20% of the respondents between the age group of 30-40 were found with high cholesterol level which increases the risk of heart diseases and diabetes
• More than 35% of males and females are potential cases of diabetes with unhealthy lifestyle
• 15-17% of those from the middle age group suffering from diabetes, complained of ear and foot problems
• Consumption of alcohol and tobacco is increasing the risk of diabetes and obesity amongst females by 5%
• 10-12% of population are at higher risk of suffering from diabetic retinopathy
• 25-30 % of working population are potential cases of Diabetes within the age group of ­­­­­­­­­­­­35-45
• Women in Pune smoke more than men, as young as 18-20yrs of age
• 70% of total diabetes cases were because of sedentary lifestyle and 30 % were due to family history
• A poor diet with less intake of iron has increased anemia and vitamin deficiency cases in the city

The main focus of people should be on wellness and prevention of lifestyle diseases and to create a culture of healthy living among younger generation. The only way to reduce the cost of investment in treating lifestyle diseases is through investing in preventive healthcare which is one third of money invested in curative measures