Professor at FK UIN Jakarta Explains the Risks of Diabetes Complications in Adolescents and Its Prevention

Rectorate, UIN News Online — Data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) shows that the number of diabetes sufferers worldwide reached 537 million in 2021. This number is predicted to continue increasing, reaching 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. According to the IDF, Indonesia ranks fifth among countries with the highest number of diabetes cases, with 19.5 million sufferers in 2021, predicted to rise to 28.6 million by 2045. These high numbers indicate the severe danger of diabetes, especially for young people who are at high risk of experiencing serious health complications.

In an interview via WhatsApp on Monday, July 1, 2024, Prof. Dr. Hari Hendarto, Sp.PD-KEMD, MARS, PhD, a Professor of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, provided in-depth insights on "The Dangers of Diabetes in Adolescents and Prevention Efforts."

Prof. Hari explained that adolescents with diabetes are at high risk of various health complications, such as heart disease, kidney dysfunction, stroke, vision problems, non-healing wounds, and amputations. The longer someone suffers from uncontrolled diabetes or the younger they are when first diagnosed, the higher the risk of complications.

To prevent these serious impacts, it is important for adolescents and their families to understand the causes and prevention of diabetes. Prof. Hari outlined several steps that can be taken to prevent diabetes, from healthy lifestyle habits to the role of the family in providing necessary support. Here are some key points conveyed by Prof. Hari:

Prof. Hari emphasized the importance for adolescents to avoid unhealthy habits such as consuming fast food, sugary foods or drinks, smoking, drinking alcohol, being overweight, lack of sleep, high stress levels, and lack of physical activity (sitting in front of a laptop or lying down watching gadgets). These unhealthy lifestyles are often the main causes of type 2 diabetes in adolescents. Therefore, lifestyle changes are crucial in prevention efforts.

Type 2 diabetes often occurs due to decreased sensitivity of body cells to the hormone insulin. Although insulin production and levels are still normal, the pancreas has to work harder to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal. This condition is known as insulin resistance.

Moreover, Prof. Hari stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking, maintaining an ideal weight, consuming healthy foods rich in fiber and low glycemic index, reducing sugar intake including soda, managing stress, and exercising regularly. Physical activity, such as regular exercise for a minimum of 30-45 minutes a day, can help maintain an ideal weight and lower blood sugar levels.

If adolescents already have diabetes, Prof. Hari emphasized the crucial role of family in its management. Social and emotional support from parents, family, and close friends can help adolescents manage the disease better. Family involvement in daily diabetes management can make adolescents feel more supported and motivated to maintain their health.

Furthermore, education about the causes, symptoms, and impacts of diabetes needs to be disseminated to the younger generation. Prof. Hari suggested that education should start early to raise adolescents' awareness of the risks of this disease. Sufficient knowledge about diabetes can help adolescents and their families take appropriate preventive measures.

Additionally, adolescents with diabetes should maintain a healthy lifestyle by consuming healthy foods, exercising regularly, and consulting with doctors and healthcare providers routinely.

Prof. Hari explained that the signs of diabetes in adolescents are not much different from adults. Some common symptoms to watch out for include frequent hunger and eating a lot, frequent thirst and drinking a lot, frequent urination especially at night, weight loss despite eating normally, blurred vision, and wounds that take a long time to heal.

Recognizing the early signs of diabetes is crucial for prompt and appropriate treatment. Prof. Hari stressed that if adolescents experience these symptoms, they should consult a doctor immediately to get an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Early diagnosis can help prevent more serious complications in the future.

To raise awareness among adolescents about the risks of diabetes, Prof. Hari recommended various strategic steps. One of them is providing accurate and clear education about the causes, symptoms, and impacts of diabetes through various platforms, including social media.

Not only diabetes education but also education to encourage adolescents to adopt healthy lifestyles. Utilizing social media for health campaigns can effectively reach adolescent audiences, such as creating infographics, videos, and interactive quizzes.

Furthermore, Prof. Hari emphasized the importance of collaborating with schools, youth organizations, and community centers to hold workshops, seminars, and health exhibitions. These educational programs can provide opportunities for adolescents to learn about diabetes interactively and deeply.

In diabetes-related education, it is important to involve youth and community figures with experience in diabetes to share stories, organize awareness campaigns, and participate in advocacy, which can inspire the younger generation to care more about their health. Establishing regular monitoring and follow-up mechanisms to track the impact of diabetes awareness campaigns on the younger generation is also necessary.

Watch the health webinar organized by FK UIN Jakarta titled "In-depth Discussion on Diabetes Mellitus: Is It Dangerous?" on the UIN Jakarta Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/EjHXOcyPBGI?si=oGtjCpeqFpvT9HaD](https://www.youtube.com/live/EjHXOcyPBGI?si=oGtjCpeqFpvT9HaD

(Muhammad Naufal Waliyyuddin/Fauziah M./Raihan Lail)