Diabetes is not confined to older people. The Hospital Authority’s Diabetes Treatment Overview 2019/20 reported a 47% increase in patients over eight years, to more than 490,000. Almost 60% of new cases were aged 40–64, highlighting a younger age profile.
The report’s projection for 2024 Dr. Chow Wai Keung, co-chair of the Hospital Authority’s central diabetes services committee, reported 490,400 diagnosed patients in 2019–20: a net increase of 158,000 over eight years. More than 270,000 were aged over 65. At the time, the number receiving Hospital Authority treatment was projected to exceed 620,000 by 2024. Of 41,000 new patients, nearly 57% were aged 40–64.
Committee chair Dr. Leung Yin Yan noted that working adults aged 40–60 may struggle to maintain a healthy diet, exercise or find time to see a doctor, delaying treatment.
Early type 2 diabetes may have no symptoms Quality assurance subcommittee chair Dr. Choi Cheung Hei explained that assessments include HbA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol. Type 2 diabetes is often identified only after progressing. Younger patients had poorer control: 16.2% of those aged 18–39 had HbA1c of at least 9%, compared with 7.7% of those aged 40–64. The article cites 6.5% as a diagnostic threshold.
Making informed carbohydrate choices Registered dietitian Au Nga Shan explained that prediabetes does not mean eliminating all sugars and starches. Review added sugar and refined carbohydrates rather than treating all carbohydrate foods alike. Cut back on sweet drinks such as iced lemon tea and bottled beverages. Consider replacing some white rice or white bread with brown rice, red rice, quinoa or pasta.
Balancing a meal The suggested plate contains one quarter starch, one half non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens or tomatoes, and one quarter protein such as tofu, chicken, fish or red meat. Starch should not dominate the meal. Bran-rich wholemeal and seed breads provide fibre and are absorbed more slowly. Pair bread with protein such as eggs and a source of unsaturated fat such as avocado.
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, lotus root, taro and corn need not simply be excluded. For people who dislike the texture of brown or red rice, replace a quarter of the rice with diced starchy vegetables, burdock or mushrooms to add variety and fibre.
Fruit and cinnamon The dietitian suggested one or two portions of fruit daily, noting that sweetness is not a reliable guide to sugar content. High-water fruit such as watermelon can be misleading, while particularly sweet apples or grapes can be easy to overeat. The original article suggested a rice bowl of diced fruit as a practical daily portion guide.
Vegetables, barley and fibre-rich foods such as oats contain components that can slow glucose rises and help lower cholesterol. The dietitian cited research in which a quarter to half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily was associated with reductions of 9.5% in fasting glucose and 15% after meals. She stressed that dietary habits must also change; a single food cannot do the job alone.
Movement and sleep Exercise helps muscles use blood glucose. The suggested target was 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, weekly—just over 20 minutes a day. Seven to eight hours of sleep was also encouraged. The article cites research associating four hours of sleep with a 20% reduction in insulin sensitivity and notes that inadequate sleep can encourage choices of heavily flavoured or fried food.
This article retains the context of its original publication. It is for general information and does not replace professional medical advice.
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