Young Adults in Morelos: 3 in 10 Now Have Diabetes

José María Morelos, Quintana Roo — A concerning increase in diabetes cases among young adults in José María Morelos has raised alarms among health specialists. According to recent reports, three out of every ten individuals aged 20 to 30 in the municipality have been diagnosed with the chronic degenerative disease.

Sedentary Lifestyles and Poor Nutrition Blamed for Surge

Lidia Serralta Peraza, a community health instructor at the Universidad Intercultural Maya (Uimqroo), highlighted that many young people were unaware they had diabetes until diagnosed. She attributed the rise to poor dietary habits, excessive consumption of bottled sodas and energy drinks, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles.

Serralta Peraza emphasized that the trend is reversible with significant changes in eating habits. However, she expressed concern over the growing prevalence of diabetes in a demographic traditionally considered the healthiest.

University Launches Prevention Program

In response, Uimqroo is implementing an educational program through its Community Health degree to combat the disease. Serralta Peraza warned that once diagnosed, individuals face drastic lifestyle changes, often limiting their ability to perform daily activities normally.

Historically, diabetes was more common in adults over 40, but shifting dietary patterns have led to its emergence in younger populations. Health experts observed during a recent health fair that older adults tend to maintain better health due to diets rich in farm-grown produce and consistent physical activity. For example, farmers often walk or cycle long distances to their fields, reducing their risk of chronic illnesses.

National Diabetes Crisis Worsens

According to Mexico’s National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut), 12.4 million people nationwide suffer from diabetes, with type 2 diabetes mellitus being the most prevalent. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) reports that 10.3% of the population over 20 has been diagnosed with the disease.

In 2020, federal health authorities recorded 151,019 deaths attributed to diabetes mellitus, underscoring the urgent need for preventive measures.

The situation in José María Morelos reflects a broader national health crisis, demanding immediate intervention to curb the escalating diabetes epidemic among Mexico’s youth.