Youth India in the Grip of Diabetes – Rising Cases of Type 2 Diabetes: A Silent Danger

Diabetic patients have a doubled risk of heart diseases. High blood sugar damages the heart's blood vessels and nerves, increasing the risk of heart failure. For diabetic patients, the risk of developing heart disease at a young age is much higher. Elevated heart rate, even at rest, in type-2 diabetes patients increases cardiovascular risk. Chronic inflammation in the heart and blood vessels due to excessive sugar use raises blood pressure and escalates the risk of heart diseases.

**How to Prevent Heart Disease in Diabetes:**

1. Exercise regularly.  
2. Eat foods with less salt.  
3. Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.  
4. Keep blood pressure under control.  
5. Include whole grains in your diet.

**What Causes Silent Heart Attacks in Diabetic Patients?**  
Due to nerve damage, diabetic patients may not experience pain or discomfort in the chest, even during a heart attack.

India, often referred to as the "Diabetes Capital of the World," has around 77 million people affected by this condition. Worryingly, nearly 50% of them are unaware of their condition. And the issue is no longer limited to the elderly—modern lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and a lack of physical activity have led to a rapid increase in Type 2 diabetes among young adults, which is a growing concern for the nation's future.

If diabetes is not identified early, it can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney diseases, nerve disorders, and peripheral artery disease, which may even lead to limb amputation. Timely diagnosis and management of diabetes are crucial to avoid these risks.

**Effective Diabetes Management:**

1. **Early Diagnosis**: The sooner diabetes is diagnosed, the sooner it can be controlled, preventing complications. Regular check-ups are essential, especially if there is a family history of diabetes or risk factors are present.

2. **Balanced Diet**: A nutritious and balanced diet helps in controlling diabetes. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods in your meals, and avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.

3. **Regular Physical Activity**: Exercise, such as walking, yoga, cycling, or light workouts, plays a key role in diabetes management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.

4. **Lifestyle Modifications**: In Type 2 diabetes cases, adopting a healthy lifestyle and improving diet can increase the chances of remission (discontinuation of medication), reducing or eliminating the need for medication in some cases.

A free **Diabetes and Heart Disease Consultation Camp** will be held on **November 17th (Sunday)** at **Shreeji Hospital, C-163A, Road No. 5, Indraprasth Industrial Area** from **12 PM to 2 PM**. Dr. Parth Jethwani (Endocrinologist), Dr. Nishant Saxena, and Dr. Sameer Jain (Cardiologists) will offer their expertise and services.