As the world observes World Diabetes Day, specialists are urging greater attention to the rapidly evolving challenges faced by young people living with diabetes. To understand these emerging concerns, BreezyScroll spoke with Dr. Prasoon Rastogi, Director of Endocrinology & Metabolism, who currently serves at Paras Hospital, Kanpur, and Endocradle Clinic.
Dr. Rastogi, an MBBS and MD graduate from King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, and a DM in Endocrinology from AIIMS Jodhpur, also holds the Specialty Certificate in Endocrinology & Diabetes (MRCP, U.K.). With over eight years of experience treating adult and pediatric endocrine disorders, he shares a detailed, on-the-ground perspective of what young diabetic patients will truly be dealing with in 2025.
‘Youth diabetes today is more unpredictable and more aggressive.’
According to Dr. Rastogi, the physiological landscape of diabetes in young patients has transformed significantly:
Physiological volatility:
Young adolescents, especially those going through puberty, experience rapid hormonal shifts that increase insulin resistance and raise insulin requirements.
“Because their bodies are constantly changing, glycemic control becomes extremely unpredictable,” he explains.
For young adults with type 2 diabetes, the condition tends to be more aggressive, with earlier signs of complications such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and microvascular damage.
Psychosocial pressures: ‘Stigma, distress, and the need to fit in’
Beyond medical complications, Dr. Rastogi highlights the emotional and social pressures young diabetics endure:
- Diabetes distress is becoming increasingly common.
- Many youngsters fear hypoglycemia during school or social activities.
- Social stigma often leads them to hide their condition.
- Mental health issues, anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and even insulin omission for weight control are emerging as major red flags.
“These patients are not just managing a chronic disease—they’re managing it while navigating school life, friendships, and identity. The psychological burden is immense,” he notes.
Health disparities widen the risk
Dr. Rastogi stresses that children and young adults from underserved backgrounds face worse glycemic outcomes, largely due to:
- limited access to healthcare,
- affordability issues,
- shortage of diabetes supplies and technology, and
- social determinants such as nutrition, stress, and family education levels.
“These disparities translate into higher complication rates at a much younger age, which is deeply concerning,” he adds.
What needs to change? A personalised, holistic approach
To effectively support young diabetics in 2025 and beyond, Dr. Rastogi advocates a four-pillar strategy:
- Personalised medical care tailored to growth, lifestyle, and puberty-related metabolic changes.
- Strong psychosocial support, including mental health counselling.
- Youth-friendly diabetes education programs that are interactive and engaging.
- Better-designed technology that fits active young lifestyles.
“Only a holistic approach: medical, emotional, and educational, can significantly improve quality of life for young diabetic patients,” he concludes.
About Dr. Prasoon Rastogi
Dr. Prasoon Rastogi is a skilled endocrinologist with more than eight years of experience managing diabetes, obesity, and young-onset hypertension. He currently practices at Paras Hospital, Kanpur, and has his private practice at Endocradle Clinic. He is trained at KGMU Lucknow and AIIMS Jodhpur and holds the Specialty Certificate in Endocrinology and Diabetes from the Royal College of Physicians (U.K.).
