No Longer Dominated by the Elderly, Diabetes Now Affects Many Productive Age People in Banten

SERANG - The Banten Provincial Health Office (Dinkes) has recorded that people with diabetes mellitus in the region are now dominated by the productive age group. As of June 10, the number of diabetes cases recorded reached 94,607 cases.

Head of the Banten Provincial Health Office, Ati Pramudji Astuti, said that the majority of diabetes cases, especially type 2 diabetes, occur in the productive age group due to changes in people's lifestyles.

"What should be of concern is the diet and physical activity. Currently, many children and adolescents consume foods and beverages high in sugar, while physical activity is decreasing," said Ati in Serang, Antara, Thursday, June 18.

He explained that the main factors that trigger an increase in type 2 diabetes cases include lack of physical activity, high sugar consumption, obesity, irregular sleep patterns, and genetic factors.

According to him, this condition can cause insulin resistance or the body's inability to respond optimally to insulin, thus increasing the risk of diabetes.

To reduce the rate of increasing cases, the Health Office appealed to the public, especially parents, to limit excessive sugar consumption and get used to regular physical activity in the family.

"Don't wait to get sick. Get your family used to healthy lifestyles, reduce excess sugar, exercise regularly, and get regular health checks," he said.

In addition, the Banten Provincial Health Office continues to intensify health education and early detection programs for non-communicable diseases in schools and the community.

Ati emphasized the role of the family as an important factor in shaping healthy living habits in children.

"Children will be easier to implement a healthy lifestyle if all family members also carry it out consistently," he said.

Based on data from the Banten Provincial Health Office as of June 10, a total of 69,809 cases or about 73.8 percent of the total diabetes cases occurred in the productive age group, namely 15 to 59 years.

Meanwhile, the elderly group over 60 years old recorded 22,905 cases.

The Health Office also found cases of diabetes in the children's age group. A total of 1,651 cases were recorded in children aged 6-14 years, 241 cases in the 1-5 year age group, and one case in infants under one year of age.

Based on the distribution of areas, Tangerang Regency became the area with the most number of diabetes sufferers, namely 25,155 cases.

The next position is occupied by South Tangerang City with 20,787 cases, Lebak Regency with 20,226 cases, Tangerang City with 19,450 cases, Cilegon City with 3,440 cases, Pandeglang Regency with 2,550 cases, Serang Regency with 1,694 cases, and Serang City with 1,305 cases.