The increasing incidence of diabetes among young adults is sending a serious warning signal to our society. Recent articles have highlighted concerns over the rising number of diabetic patients, especially in the 20-30 age group. This trend suggests that diabetes is not merely a statistical phenomenon but rather a significant health issue we are facing.
In 2021, the number of patients hospitalized or treated for diabetes in South Korea reached 3,537,601, with 179,450 confirmed cases among individuals aged 20-30. By 2022, these numbers rose further to 3,687,033 patients overall, with 174,485 in the 20-30 age group.
However, diabetes itself is not the sole concern. It is a chronic disease requiring lifelong management even after diagnosis. Therefore, being diagnosed with diabetes at a young age not only necessitates long-term management but also significantly increases the risk of complications. Diabetes complications can manifest as serious conditions such as cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, among others, potentially impacting various parts of the body and, in severe cases, leading to death.
The fact that the number of diabetes patients in South Korea has exceeded 6.05 million serves as an indicator of how common this disease is in our society. Particularly alarming is the statistic that 1 in 6 adults over 30 years old suffer from diabetes. This indicates the seriousness of the current diabetes epidemic and the health status of our society. However, even more concerning is the decreasing treatment compliance among the current generation compared to the 2030 generation. Recent studies have shown that while the rate of hospital visits within 1 year of diabetes diagnosis exceeded 40% for patients in their 50s, it was only 20% for the 2030 generation.
Experts point out obesity and a Westernized diet as the primary risk factors for diabetes onset. Indeed, more than one-third of the South Korean population is considered obese. To prevent diabetes, it is essential to reduce fast food consumption and improve lifestyle habits through regular exercise. Additionally, adopting a balanced diet, focusing on vegetables and proteins rather than overly processed carbohydrates, is crucial.
Lastly, if symptoms such as excessive thirst leading to increased water intake, frequent urination, or persistent hunger even on an empty stomach arise, it may indicate a need to consider diabetes. Moreover, if there is continued strong appetite despite weight loss or wounds healing slowly, seeking immediate medical advice is important. Early detection and appropriate management of diabetes are vital for preventing complications.
