ESTIMATION OF BLOOD GLUCOSE AND INSULIN LEVELS OF SELECTED ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULT
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2010
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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is now emerging as a pandemic among the adolescents and young
adults, which is a tender, impressionable and transient age. Every silver lining has a cloud ,
thus the shift with development from food scarcity to food surplus is accompanied by rise in
diabetes, obesity and all its associated health consequences. The objective of the study is to
estimate the life style, dietary pattern, blood glucose and insulin levels of adolescents and
young adults of both diabetic and non diabetic parents. A total of 300 subjects (150-
adolescents and 150 - young adults) in the age group of 14^0 years consisting of both males
and females, of diabetic and non-diabetic parents were selected. Socioeconomic status,
lifestyle pattern and dietary pattern were obtained using a pre structured questionnaire and
anthropometiic measurements were measured. Biochemical estimation such as fasting blood
glucose (Enzymatic GOD-POD method) and insulin levels (immuno radiometric assay) was
done for the selected 100 sub-samples, consisting of 50 adolescents and 50 young adults. The
results of blood glucose and insulin level were normal for the majority of the adolescents and
young adults, except one male and two females whose blood glucose and insulin level were
elevated and were diabetic. Consumption of aerated drinks, fast foods, fiied foods and
processed foods were found to be high. Snaking habit in-between meals and intake of coffee/
tea was also found high. Physical activity was found to be low. Individual diet counselling
was given on dietary practices and lifestyle pattern to be followed in order to prevent and
control diabetes in future and to have a healthy lifestyle for all the selected subjects like
adopting proper meal timing with balanced diet, regular exercise, etc., were emphasized.
Myths and facts on diabetes and obesity were discussed and changes in eating patterns were
also suggested to the selected sample.