Diabetes Cases in Gen Z Increasing, Here's the Reason

JAKARTA - Diabetes is now not only dominated by patients over the age of 40. Recent cases of diabetes have shifted trends, where it is increasing among young people, including the Z generation or gen Z.

"Diabetes is increasingly found in younger age groups. Currently, the disease is often diagnosed at the age of 20 to 30 years, even teenagers," said Associate Professor Dr. Do Dinh Tung, director of Duc Giang General Hospital in Hanoi, quoted from VNnews, on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Several things that cause more and more Gen Z to get diabetes are as follows.

1. The habit of consuming fast food

The level of consumption of fast food among Gen Z is quite high. From instant noodles, burgers, french fries, and fried chicken, to some of the foods that young people like.

Various fast foods are not only high in calories and fat, but also high in sugar and processed carbohydrates. These ingredients have the potential to cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of diabetes.

2. Often Consume Sweet Drinks

In recent years, sugary drinks have become a trend in the lifestyle of young people. From coffee with additives such as milk and sugar, to various trendy drinks such as milk tea.

"It's very difficult to control blood sugar levels if you drink sugary drinks," said assistant professor of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at Rush University Medical Center, Rasa Kazlauskaite.

If drinking sugary drinks is often done, it is very difficult to control blood sugar. In addition to containing high sugar, various sugary drinks also do not contain protein, fat, or fiber so that the body's nutrition is not well met.

3. Excessive Consumption of Dairy Foods

It is worth noting that the risk of diabetes is not only influenced by the consumption of sweet foods. Non-sweet foods such as starchy foods can also trigger diabetes if consumed excessively.

"Many people don't realize that starchy foods that often don't taste sweet at all can actually increase blood glucose levels more significantly than sweet foods," said preventive cardiologist Stephen Devries, MD.

Starchy foods are foods that contain complex carbohydrates (starchy substances). Some of them are rice, wheat, bread, pasta, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava.

However, this does not mean that you have to reduce the amount of starchy foods in your daily diet. It is recommended that when consuming it be combined with foods rich in healthy fats, fiber, and lean protein to minimize fluctuations in blood sugar levels.