Diabetes Threatens Indonesia's Young Generation

JAKARTA – Diabetes, which used to be dominated by old age, is now starting to attack young people. In fact, according to dr. Decsa Medika Hertanto, SpPD, there are several 15-year-old teenagers who already suffer from diabetes and finally have to do dialysis at the age of 23.

According to Decsa, the causes are many factors. It can be from a pattern of assuming foods that are full of carbohydrates, minimal protein, minimal fiber, vegetables, and fruit.

"Maybe his food intake is used to the pattern he brought with him since childhood, doesn't like vegetables, doesn't like fruit, only wants salty and sweet things," said the doctor from the Darmo Hospital Foundation in Surabaya to VOI on February 22, 2023.

It could also be due to growth and development disorders as a child. Children who have experienced malnutrition are usually more susceptible to health problems during their growth period. Especially if not supported by physical activity. More sitting, laziness to move, and less exercise.

"The most important thing, maybe the genetics of heredity. This could be a cause. If parents have diabetes, children also have the potential to experience a similar disease," he said.

Of course, that is a very dangerous reality. Data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) alone states that the number of diabetics continues to increase. From only 7.29 million people in 2011 to 19.47 million people in 2021.

In fact, it is likely that it will increase by 47 percent to reach 28.57 million people in 2045. According to Decsa, this is very likely to happen. This is because people's lifestyles, especially young people, have shifted a lot at this time. More negative impact on health

See the children who prefer to sit quietly playing with gadgets rather than doing physical activities and playing with their friends. Young people and adults are similar.

"It's easier to see handphones, social media, easily following unhealthy trends. Happy to consume sweet drink products that are indeed massively promoted. In fact, sweet drinks now seem to have become a lifestyle. It can be 2-3 cups every day, not to mention instant foods," said Decsa.

In fact, the ideal intake of additional sugar for the body is only 25-50 grams or about 8-10 teaspoons every day.

“Should be even less than that. Look at the sweet drinks that are popular today, how much sugar they contain. Yes, if this behavior is accompanied by other bad habits, such as smoking, sleeping less than 7 hours every day, diabetes will definitely come faster," he continued.

Based on research published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation, someone who regularly consumes sweet drinks has a 25 percent greater risk of developing diabetes.

Diabetes is the number 3 deadly disease in Indonesia according to WHO with a mortality rate of 40.78 per 100 thousand people. The main symptoms are usually frequent urination, feeling hungry quickly, and often feeling thirsty.

Additional symptoms can include rapid weight loss without a clear cause, tingling, wounds that are difficult to heal, fatigue quickly, and easy drowsiness.

"So, take care of yourself. Start adopting a healthy lifestyle by exercising. Do it gradually starting from 15-30 minutes every day, then increase it to 1 hour every day. Then, be selective in choosing foods that are good for our bodies, "he said.

Community Exercising

Decsa assesses that it is time for the government and policymakers to re-create and implement programs to popularize sports and exercise in the community.

As before, it requires students to do body movements every day before starting lessons.

“In the past, there was physical fitness gymnastics. Like it or not, all students must attend. This is a very good program, simple. Indirectly, this is a way to instill a healthy lifestyle in children."

As reported by the Ministry of Education and Culture Ministry of Research and Technology's PAUD Teacher Room page. When actively moving, the muscles and bones of the child will develop stronger. Especially if the child moves actively in the morning, because they can get vitamin D from sunlight. The body's metabolism also gets better. The body will more smoothly absorb nutrients.

A number of studies also mention that children who are diligent in exercising or being physically active tend to have higher memory abilities. Children also more easily absorb the subject matter being taught.

"Exercise is able to increase blood flow to the brain and make the brain volume larger. As a result, children's brains have a high ability to absorb whatever is taught in their surroundings. Their cognitive abilities also develop when their bodies are healthy and fit," said Laura Chaddock Heyman, a researcher from Illinois University as reported by Dailymail.

This program can also be applied in companies. It's just a matter of what the mechanism will look like.

“So employees don't just sit all the time. Being accustomed to sitting for more than 10 hours every day is very dangerous for health. We call it Sitting Disease, which can increase the risk of comorbid diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. All of them are deadly diseases,” said Decsa.

Besides being able to make the body feel fitter and healthier, exercising is also beneficial for mental health, and even affects one's productivity. In fact, regular exercise has been shown to have positive effects such as increasing concentration, increasing creativity, improving mood, and reducing stress.

"What is no less important, health promotion must continue to be echoed. Health content should not be too rigid. You can't lose to advertisements for sweet drinks," he said.

"This is our homework. At the individual level, it is our collective duty to maintain the health of our bodies. At the community level, the government and policymakers must make good rules and programs to prevent all of this," said Decsa.

The younger generation must be healthy so that Indonesia can realize its dream of becoming a developed and strong nation.