The increasing incidence of type 2 diabetes among young Indonesians is linked to persistent poor habits despite regular exercise, raising concerns about early onset and silent progression of the disease.
Type 2 diabetes is increasingly appearing in younger adults in Indonesia, prompting concern that the disease is no longer confined to older people, according to Media Indonesia. The report says the trend is particularly worrying because many younger patients believe they are living healthily simply because they exercise regularly, even as other habits continue to raise their risk.
Kelvin Candiago, a diabetologist and founder of mGanik, said that gym sessions or sports such as padel do not eliminate the danger if day-to-day routines still include too much sugar and refined carbohydrate, irregular meals, late nights and a largely sedentary lifestyle outside exercise. Those patterns can contribute to insulin resistance, a condition in which the body no longer responds properly to insulin and blood sugar becomes harder to control. Media Indonesia said International Diabetes Federation figures place Indonesia fifth in the world for diabetes, with about 20.4 million people living with the disease, the vast majority of them with type 2 diabetes.
Candiago also warned that the illness often progresses quietly because complications can develop before obvious symptoms appear. That concern echoes reporting by detikHealth, which said Indonesia’s health ministry has highlighted type 2 diabetes among younger people as a growing problem and linked it to reduced physical activity, excessive screen time, poor sleep, sugary diets and ultra-processed foods.
The encouraging message, however, is that type 2 diabetes linked to lifestyle can sometimes be pushed into remission. Diabetes UK defines remission as blood sugar levels falling below the diabetic range for at least three months without glucose-lowering medication, while the US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says significant weight loss can help some people reach that state. Health sources cited in the related material also note that remission is not a cure and still requires long-term management. Candiago said he advises patients to cut back on carbohydrates and added sugar, increase protein and fibre, and place desserts or snacks at the end of meals to reduce overindulgence. He described the most effective approach as one built on medication, nutrition and regular monitoring, with progress depending less on dramatic change than on steady habits over time.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
