Lipid levels among youth alarming

Bengaluru: Sedentary lifestyle, irregular and poor eating habits is leading to a rise in diabetes and heart diseases among Bengalureans, especially the youngsters.

A recent study also revealed a link between thyroid and diabetes and experts have called for periodic monitoring of lipid profiles among the youth, especially those hailing from families that have a history of diabetes and thyroid ailments.

"We had 1,147 cases of abnormal lipid profiles, our screening also included testing for diabetes and hypothyroidism and we found that in 764 cases where HbA1C (glycated haemoglobin) levels, indicating poorly controlled diabetes, of which 757 had dyslipidemia (abnormal levels of lipids in blood stream)," said 

Dr Sujay Prasad, Technical Director at Anand Diagnostic Laboratory who conducted the screening camp.

The doctor also added that the referral pattern based on age indicates that 80 per cent were aged above 40 years, while the remaining were between the age group of 25 and 40 years.

"The numbers clearly show that almost all people, who have diabetes, have dyslipidemia, which is a concern as it affects the narrowing of blood vessels to heart, eyes, kidneys and hence the quality of life. However, it becomes more important to note that because of lifestyle and bad food habits the younger lot is also having both diabetes and thyroid problems. Hence abnormal lipid levels call for early intervention."

The youngsters need to be screened for early changes in the lipid levels, as there has been an increase in cases of heart attacks and high lipid levels.

Hence, I think those about 20 years and with family history of diabetes or thyroid ailments should get the lipid test done once in five years and follow it up. They are the high risk group. Others can get a baseline test done, but no need to follow it up," Dr Sujay, summed up.