Rising Diabetes Rates Among Youth: A Wake-Up Call for Lifestyle Change

Chronic diseases related to poor lifestyle habits—especially diabetes—are on the rise due to unhealthy eating and living patterns.

Diabetes is not only associated with dangerous complications but can also be life-threatening. While it was once more common in middle-aged and older adults, the number of cases among young people is now increasing at an alarming rate. H PLUS International Medical Center invites you to explore this issue in more detail below.

1. Young people’s indifference to diabetes

In Vietnam, the rate of diabetes is increasing rapidly and trending younger. Current statistics show that around 7 million people live with diabetes, double the number from 10 years ago.

More concerning is the rising number of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which accounts for 90% of pediatric diabetes cases. Data from children’s hospitals indicates nearly 2,000 children nationwide have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

This trend poses a major challenge for both the healthcare system and the community in raising awareness, promoting lifestyle changes, and implementing preventive measures.

Most young patients today are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes—a condition characterized by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells cannot use insulin effectively to metabolize glucose.

The main cause is the rise in obesity, linked to poor diets high in calories, salt, and fat. Sedentary lifestyles, academic or work-related stress, and irregular sleep habits also significantly contribute to the development of diabetes in the younger population.

According to Dr. Haeri Lee, an endocrinologist at H Plus Yangji Hospital:
“The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in young adults has increased significantly in recent years, primarily due to obesity. Insulin resistance occurs when the body cannot use insulin effectively at target organs, and obesity is a key driver of this dysfunction.”

2. How does diabetes manifest?

The classic symptoms of diabetes are known as the “three polies”:

• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)

• Polyuria (frequent urination)

• Polyphagia (increased hunger)

These symptoms are caused by the excretion of glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and increased thirst, and often weight loss despite normal eating habits.

Other symptoms may include blurred vision, numbness in the hands and feet, and in some cases, kidney impairment (azotemia), especially in women.

Worryingly, many people with early-stage diabetes do not exhibit obvious symptoms, making it easy to overlook until the condition has worsened.

3. Diabetes complications: More dangerous than the disease itself

As diabetes progresses, the risk of severe complications increases. Diabetic individuals are two to three times more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Diabetes is also the leading cause of chronic kidney disease, accounting for 50% of patients requiring dialysis.

Additional complications such as foot necrosis, kidney failure, and diabetic nephropathy are difficult to treat and may be fatal in severe cases. Early symptoms are often mild or absent, leading to late diagnosis and limited treatment options.

Among younger patients, delayed treatment not only prolongs the disease but also increases the risk of complications. Many young adults underestimate the risks, assuming their youth protects them—leading to late-stage diagnoses. Early awareness and intervention are therefore crucial.

4. How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by insufficient insulin production or ineffective insulin function. Diagnosis is made when blood glucose levels exceed certain thresholds:

• Random blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL

• Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL

• 2-hour post-meal glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL

Additionally, an HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) level ≥ 6.5% confirms diabetes.

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 2 diabetes is the most common, particularly among adults.

5. How to prevent diabetes

Weight control should be a top priority in diabetes prevention. Maintain a balanced diet, avoid high-sugar foods and beverages, and refrain from overeating. Regular physical activity—30 to 60 minutes after meals—promotes metabolism and reduces risk.

Adequate sleep is also essential, as poor sleep increases the risk of obesity.

Dr. Haeri Lee advises:
“Young people are not immune to diabetes. Taking care of your health, maintaining a healthy weight, and developing good habits are essential. Regular health check-ups allow for early detection and professional advice. More importantly, creating a tailored treatment plan and sticking to it is key to long-term health.”

Diabetes care and management at H PLUS International Medical Center

H PLUS is a trusted destination for diabetes screening and treatment. With internationally accredited lab systems and a team of skilled, experienced endocrinologists, we are committed to providing accurate diagnostics and the most effective treatment plans.

We offer flexible services, including personalized health counseling and glucose monitoring, to help you stay on top of your condition with ease.