More young people are being diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, with doctors warning that unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, substance use and family history could be contributing to the trend.
However speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT Senior Resident Medical Officer at the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH), Dr Nomalanga Moyo, says the health system is seeing an increase in younger people presenting with cardiometabolic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes.
“We are seeing younger people being diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes more and more,” Dr Moyo said.
She said the increase cannot be blamed on lifestyle alone, as some people are genetically predisposed to developing the conditions.
However, Dr Moyo identified physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits as some of the major risk factors among young people.
She said excessive consumption of salt, sugar, processed foods and junk food, coupled with increased consumption of fast foods, was contributing to the problem.
Dr Moyo also cited excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use as other factors that can increase the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
She said family history was another important factor, particularly for young people who have parents or other close relatives with conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.
“If in your family you already have a history of this disease and because it’s already been running in your grandparents, your parents, now your generation, and you’re not really taking good care by modifying what you eat and having exercise, you are already predisposed,” she said.
Dr Moyo warned that one of the challenges with hypertension and diabetes is that they can develop without obvious symptoms.
“It’s very possible for them to present without obvious symptoms. Just because you’re not feeling any problem physically in your body does not mean you are healthy,” she said.
She urged young people not to wait until they feel sick before seeking medical attention, encouraging regular health checks for early detection.
“Being healthy is not just feeling okay. Being healthy should come with the evidence,” Dr Moyo said.
She also raised concerns over poor sleeping patterns and unmanaged stress among young people, saying adequate and quality sleep was important for overall health.
Dr Moyo encouraged young people with sedentary lifestyles, particularly those who spend most of their day sitting at work or school, to deliberately incorporate physical activity into their routines.
She recommended activities such as morning or evening walks while also urging people to pay closer attention to their diets.
Dr Moyo advised people to reduce their intake of excessive salt, sugar and processed foods and instead maintain a balanced diet.
She further encouraged young people to maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, limit excessive alcohol consumption and prioritise quality sleep.
She also urged people to know their family medical history and understand their health numbers, including blood pressure, blood sugar and weight.
“Whether young or old, we shouldn’t wait until we feel sick to start taking our health seriously. Know the numbers,” Dr Moyo said.
Dr Moyo said regular exercise, healthy eating and other preventive measures should become part of people’s daily lives rather than actions taken only after a health problem has been detected.
Article by Carol Sichone
