Introduction
Humans are the drivers of their lives and can focus on upholding a healthy lifestyle to help them overcome chronic health issues. Che et al. (2023) and Rosenkranz et al. (2021) emphasize that the concept of lifestyle plays a significant role in managing and preventing various health conditions. This perspective aligns with Chudasama and Khunti’s (2023) intriguing argument and suggests its applicability in overcoming the longstanding challenges posed by Type 2 Diabetes.
Studies show that the primary challenge associated with this chronic health condition is its impact on one’s ability to use insulin effectively, leading to excessive sugar buildup in the body (Singer et al., 2022). Over time, this problem overwhelms those affected because the sugar concentration damages the nerves and blood vessels that help people live healthy lives (Singer et al., 2022). In light of the disease’s underlying impacts on individuals, this study proposes an intervention plan that includes lifestyle improvement strategies tailored for young adults aged 18.
Nonetheless, the primary aim is to overcome the challenges brought by Type 2 Diabetes to this group by addressing their unique needs to prevent and overcome this condition. This plan also aims to help them adopt a healthy lifestyle, incorporating healthy diets, physical activity, and stress management techniques to enhance health outcomes and reduce the risk of Diabetes. In this regard, it is anticipated that early intervention focused on lifestyle modifications can play a critical role in Type 2 Diabetes prevention, reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and improve overall societal well-being. Moreover, a multidisciplinary approach that includes education, behavioral change, and community support is the final way to help young adults attain a quality of life.
Rationale and Background
Diabetes, a global chronic health condition that endangers the lives of numerous people every year, occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to control sugar levels in the body. Singer et al. (2022) indicate that this insulin inhibition can also occur when the body cannot effectively utilize the insulin produced to control blood sugar levels. Moreover, an increase in blood sugar, a condition known as Hyperglycemia, is highly dangerous to the body because it can impair body systems. Type 2 Diabetes, in particular, is a major cause of this Hyperglycemia because it involves the body’s deterioration to use insulin if not treated on time. However, the issue is more common among people who lack vital physical activities, are overweight, and sometimes are linked to genetics.
While it was previously thought to affect only children, it has now been revealed to be common across all ages. Therefore, it exposes those under 18 to an even higher risk (WHO, 2023). Despite the efforts to undertake tests and early interventions to prevent the disease, it has spread to cause severe health challenges that require a proper plan to overcome. As Singer et al. (2022) indicate, from the early 2000s to recent years, the world has experienced a 3% increase in mortality rates associated with Diabetes. Therefore, such problems require an effective program that includes physical activities to keep the body fit, a healthy diet to prevent being overweight, and early diagnosis to take appropriate action before it is too late.
Social Policy Alignment
While striving to address the challenges of Type 2 Diabetes among young adults, the proposed plan, which incorporates physical exercise, a healthy diet, and early intervention, aligns with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Analysis shows that NICE has provided a reliable framework to help adults with this condition regain a sense of normalcy by focusing on dietary advice, cardiovascular risk management, and blood glucose control (NICE, 2023). In addition, NICE has emphasized the need to provide patients with well-informed education. Thus, the proposed plan aims to align with these guidelines by incorporating multidisciplinary efforts.
Epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes
On the epidemiology of Type 2 diabetes, this chronic health problem is a major healthcare challenge globally. This means the entire globe is at risk of developing this deadly Diabetes since Khan et al. (2019) identified over 460 million people being affected by the disease by 2017, significant data that corresponds to nearly 6.3% of the world population by that time. Moreover, this chronic health condition causes significant deaths across the globe, with nearly a million deaths recorded every year from different regions. Underdeveloped and low-income nations that struggle with low-quality medical strategies have showcased a high prevalence of this disease.
Nonetheless, Kotwas et al. (2021) indicate that its spread has been increasing in Western Europe, a region characterized by significant developments in recent years. However, this suggests that the global prevalence of the condition is likely to increase over time, with Khan et al. (2019) anticipating more than 7,000 cases per 100,000 people in the next 6 years. Furthermore, Type 2 Diabetes is distributed equally to all genders, and both males and females are likely to develop the issue if they do not take precautions on how they eat and fail to engage in activities that keep their bodies fit.
Assessment of Type 2 Diabetes
The assessment of Type 2 Diabetes involves significant steps, with medical care professionals usually performing a range of tests to assess blood sugar levels and glycemic control. However, the primary diagnostic tool is the glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test, which measures average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. In this test, care providers assess if the A1C reads below 5.7% (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Nonetheless, if the reading falls between 5.7% and 6.4%, it indicates pre-diabetes, with higher readings indicating Diabetes (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Care professionals can also focus on the random blood sugar test, which measures blood sugar. This diagnostic mode indicates the presence of Diabetes if the levels are 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Moreover, the Mayo Clinic (2023) suggests performing a fasting blood sugar test after an overnight fast, which can indicate Diabetes if levels are consistently 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L). Furthermore, assessment of Diabetes can be done through screening of people who are under 35 years, women who show signs of gestational Diabetes, and people who have been found with pre-diabetes (Romesh Khardori, 2024). This screening also applies to children who are obese and their families have been diagnosed with the risk factors of Type 2 Diabetes.
Health Promotion Approaches
An integrated approach to promoting health to prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in young adults aged 18 years requires considerable effort to achieve its desired objective. Nevertheless, Gruss et al. (2019) maintain that medical promotional efforts that yield reliable outcomes should be multidimensional and include all components of learning, within which behavioral and environmental strategies play a significant role. Therefore, the core effort of this health publicity method is to align with NICE (2023) in its proposal to provide comprehensive education tailored to the needs of the identified group. In this case, the focus will be on ensuring that youths are provided with information about Type 2 Diabetes management, its implications for lifestyle, and suitable prevention methods.
Besides that, the health promotion method includes sessions on proper nutrition, physical exercise, blood tests, medication, and stress management. For this plan to be successful, the incentive to create supportive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities that encourage people to choose healthy eating will be prioritized. In this regard, the main goal is to provide incentives for physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors that might challenge achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Health Promotion Goals
In this health promotion process, SMART objectives are laid out to ensure the plan aligns with the intended outcomes. However, the first aim is to increase physical activity levels by 20% in three months among young adults with Type 2 Diabetes. In this process, the goal is attainable through promoting regular exercise routines for these people and using fitness-tracking devices to monitor their progress. CDC (2022) shows that engaging in exercise and other activities that require intense physical work allows insulin to remain active and helps the body utilize its stored sugar to release energy. However, this is a critical factor that can help Diabetes patients control their blood sugar levels and minimize the impacts of the disease.
The second goal is to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages among young adults with Type 2 Diabetes to improve blood sugar management. In this process, the aim will be achieved through educational campaigns highlighting the adverse effects of sugary drinks on diabetes control. NIH (2023) also emphasizes that patients should be encouraged to seek healthier food alternatives, offering hope of overcoming cravings for unhealthy products. Moreover, the success of this objective will be measured through pre- and post-intervention surveys that assess changes in beverage consumption patterns.
Interventions and Implementation
Interventions and implementation strategies for each health promotion goal statement are important for achieving a desirable outcome for the target population who should manage Type 2 Diabetes. With the discovery of the first primary goal, there is an increasing urgency to help young adults with insulin resistance build their physical strength, enabling them to use insulin properly. Nevertheless, as per Fetters (2023), physical inactivity levels increase when individualized exercise plans are absent and are designed with participants’ convenience in mind. For this reason, group fitness has focused on helping them stay focused and determined to exercise.
Moreover, a system that offers multifaceted activities such as hiking groups, dance lessons, cycling groups, and other games to suit all tastes is not bad (Syeda et al., 2023). Furthermore, this plan emphasizes the provision of exercise facilities and outdoor recreation spaces to increase engagement in regular exercise. It is anticipated that these features will be intriguing for participants, and each person will be poised to try one that fits them well.
Moreover, the help of medical professionals in the design and implementation, based on their findings and proposals, is needed to ensure the principles are followed. This health promotion knows the target group, and the goal is to reinforce the good relationship with healthcare providers to promote and use safe exercise practices and monitor progress. Furthermore, Jiang et al. (2020) propose group-based interventions that create feelings of comradeship and motivation among participants. In this connection, the practice will seek to achieve this aim by planning exercise classes and support groups.
In addition, this health promotion aims to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages among the target audiences. However, there must be clear plans targeted to reinforce proper educational campaigns. Studies show that efforts should be made to raise awareness of the health risks associated with excessive sugar intake, helping individuals see the problems their health behaviors can cause (Sękowski et al., 2022). In this regard, the aim will be to ensure there are ways to reach and teach young adults about healthier beverage choices that will boost their health and help them overcome excess sugar intake, which can jeopardize their well-being.
However, simply setting clear content to be projected to young adults is not enough to achieve a positive outcome, because there must be a clear strategy to reach these individuals. In light of this provision, the campaigns must understand the power of digital platforms in the current society. Fontecha et al. (2022) show that technology has changed the world, and drastic steps have been taken to establish reliable means of conveying information essential to this advertising. Nonetheless, when discussing media platforms, channels such as social media, posters, and community events come to mind. However, their vitality to this endeavor lies in their ability to present a viable opportunity for disseminating key messages effectively.
As in the first goal, leveraging relations with healthcare professionals is vital in reducing unhealthy diets. Nonetheless, professional help is needed for accurate information and support for individuals seeking dietary changes (Fleming et al., 2019). After all, the initiatives must be evidence-based and align with the scientifically approved guidelines to help individuals attain the intended outcomes. Moreover, group-based interventions can provide practical skills and peer support to adopt healthier dietary habits (Jiang et al., 2020). Thus, the focus will be on developing effective nutrition workshops and other gathering areas where people can learn to make natural food products that do not endanger their lives.
Additionally, equipping individuals with self-management skills and decision-making power is critical to the effectiveness of health promotion efforts. In this light, education and training in self-monitoring techniques, goal-setting, problem-solving, and coping strategies are crucial. However, Delahanty (2023)indicates that this enables patients to cope with the complexities of managing Diabetes.
In addition, healthcare providers have a central role in teaching individuals these self-management skills during regular consultations and through personalized treatment plans. Furthermore, nurturing supportive bonds with family members, friends, and peers is critical for attaining social support (Modglin, 2023). However, this also helps encourage young adults to strengthen positive health behaviors and adhere to treatment regimens.
Evaluation of Health Promotion
The effective integration of the proposed implementation procedures highlighted above shows promise in helping young adults live a normal life without worrying about the underlying consequences of Diabetes. For instance, Rosenkranz et al. (2021) found that offering varied exercise options and support from healthcare providers and community resources can motivate youths to engage in physical activity. Moreover, studies insist that although targeting physical activities is the foundation for engaging young people in developing a reliable lifestyle, evidence-based strategies must guide each step (Rosenkranz et al., 2021). The plan aligns with this as it emphasizes collaboration by healthcare professionals.
As efforts to enhance physical activity progress, with several individuals developing an interest when supported and given various alternatives, the exercise helps the body become insulin-sensitive, reduces glycosylated hemoglobin, and helps tissues absorb more oxygen (Amanat et al., 2020). Furthermore, physical workouts are known for their ability to help control body weight by reducing body fat. This will also help to prevent cardiovascular risk factors that can be associated with Diabetes deaths.
Moreover, educational campaigns targeting the reduction of sugary beverage consumption have also shown promising results that can be a viable breakthrough for diabetic young adults with diabetes. Te, Ford, and Schubert (2019) show that the underlying reason why Diabetes has been spreading rapidly in urban areas is the easy access to sugary beverages that can be linked to multiple health risks. Furthermore, using media channels resonates well with young adults, the central focus of this campaign, reinforcing the success of this plan.
Nevertheless, the implementation process must be addressed before it becomes a bigger problem. Ford, Teodor aTechubert (2019) indicates that people may lack motivation to adopt an active lifestyle. However, this can be overcome with clear access to information, support for individuals, and multiple alternatives that align with their preferences (Adhikari et al., 2021).
In addition, there may be socio-economic constraints that can be addressed by seeking community support and collaborating with multiple stakeholders. Furthermore, there are environmental factors, which Amanat et al. (2020) identify as limited access to fitness facilities and poor communities experiencing limited healthy food options. Thus, the focus is to advocate for the provision of executive facilities, and connecting with the local and state government can be a viable breakthrough.
On the recommendations, there are alternative strategies that can be considered. According to NICE (2023), the plan must include more tailored and culturally sensitive approaches to promote physical activity and dietary changes. In this light, there is a greater chance that the ideas will align with participants’ interests, thereby increasing engagement.
Additionally, digital health technologies have recently gained significant attention in healthcare (Morelli et al., 2023). Therefore, the health promotion approach can leverage cutting-edge efforts such as mobile applications and Telehealth services. Furthermore, collaboration and engagement with other stakeholders are recommended to address environmental barriers (Fontecha et al., 2022; Shrestha et al., 2022). It is perceived as the best way to create supportive environments for health-promoting behaviors.
Conclusion
This task has explained the critical elements that could lead to the development of a comprehensive lifestyle improvement plan to address Type 2 Diabetes in young adults aged 18 years. In this way, the systematic method covering the steps of assessment, goal setting, intervention, and evaluation has highlighted the prominence of preventive care and health promotion in this community. On the contrary, the study identified promoting physical exercise and reducing consumption of sweetened beverages as the initiative’s main goals, targeting young adults with Type 2 Diabetes. Nonetheless, implementing and achieving these goals requires significant effort to customize interventions that account for individual needs.
Moreover, providing avenues to foster supportive relationships and address environmental barriers created by these psychosocial stressors will ensure that our plan works and saves lives. The strategy highlights how appropriate lifestyle modifications and active engagement in self-management skills can overcome this chronic health issue. The plan will help improve glycemic control, reduce the risk of complications, and improve overall health among young adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
In this regard, lifestyle improvement plans may become a major source of support for young adults with Diabetes, empowering them to live healthier lives and manage their condition effectively. As such, a comprehensive approach that addresses individual empowerment and community support, creating a sustainable framework for long-term health management, and preventing complications in this vulnerable population is critical. Ultimately, incorporating educational initiatives to enhance health literacy and promoting community-based programs can further strengthen the resilience of young adults with Type 2 Diabetes.
Reference List
Adhikari, M., Devkota, H.R. and Cesuroglu, T. (2021) ‘Barriers to and facilitators of diabetes self-management practices in Rupandehi, nepal- multiple stakeholders’ perspective‘, BMC Public Health, 21(1).
Amanat, S. et al. (2020) ‘Exercise and type 2 diabetes,’ in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, pp. 91–105.
CDC (2022) Get active.
Che, M. et al. (2023) ‘Healthy lifestyle score and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A city-wide survey in China’, Healthcare, 11(14).
Chudasama, Y.V. and Khunti, K. (2023) ‘Healthy lifestyle choices and microvascular complications: New insights into diabetes management’, PLOS Medicine, 20(1).
Delahanty, L.M. (2023) Patient education: Type 2 diabetes and diet (Beyond the Basics).
Fleming, G.A. et al. (2019) ‘Diabetes Digital App Technology: Benefits, challenges, and recommendations. A consensus report by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) diabetes Technology Working Group’, Diabetologia, 63(2), pp. 229–241.
Fontecha, J. et al. (2022) ‘Use and Trends of Diabetes Self-Management Technologies: A Correlation-Based Study,’ Journal of Diabetes Research, 2022, pp. 1–15.
Fetters, K.A. (2023) How exercise helps prevent and manage type 2 diabetes, EverydayHealth.com.
Gruss, S.M. et al. (2019) ‘Public health approaches to type 2 diabetes prevention: The US National Diabetes Prevention Program and beyond’, Current Diabetes Reports, 19(9).
Jiang, Y. et al. (2020) ‘Lasting effects of a Community-Based Self-Management intervention for patients with Type 2 diabetes in China: outcomes at 2-Year follow-up of a randomized trial,’ Asia Pacific Journal of Public Health, 33(1), pp. 30–38.
Khan, M.A. et al. (2019) ‘Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes – global burden of disease and forecasted trends‘, Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 10(1), p. 107.
Kotwas, A. et al. (2021) ‘Epidemiological factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus: Evidence from the global burden of disease’, Archives of Public Health, 79(1).
Mayo Clinic (2023) Type 2 diabetes, Mayo Clinic.
Modglin, L. (2023) Type 2 diabetes: causes, symptoms and treatment. Forbes Health.
Morelli, D.M. et al. (2023) ‘Effectiveness of a diabetes program based on digital health on capacity building and quality of care in type 2 diabetes: A pragmatic quasi-experimental study’, BMC Health Services Research, 23(1).
NICE (2023) Overview: Type 2 diabetes in adults: Management: Guidance.
NIH (2023) Diabetes Diet, eating, & physical activity – NIDDK, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Rosenkranz, R.R. et al. (2021) ‘Physical activity capability, opportunity, motivation and behavior in youth settings: theoretical framework to guide physical activity leader interventions,’ International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 16(1), pp. 529–553.
Sękowski, K. et al. (2022) ‘Public knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus, its risk factors, complications, and prevention methods among adults in Poland—A 2022 nationwide cross-sectional survey,’ Frontiers in Public Health, 10.
Romesh Khardori, M. (2024) Type 2 diabetes mellitus clinical presentation, History, Physical Examination.
Syeda, USA et al. (2023) ‘The importance of exercise for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes,’ American Journal of Medicine Open, 9.
Singer, M.E. et al. (2022) ‘The type 2 diabetes “modern preventable pandemic” and replicable lessons from the covid-19 crisis‘, Preventive Medicine Reports, 25.
Shrestha, Archana et al. (2022) ‘Stakeholder engagement in a hypertension and diabetes prevention research program: Description and lessons learned’, PLOS ONE, 17(10).
Te, V., Ford, P. and Schubert, L. (2019) ‘Exploring social media campaigns against sugar-sweetened beverage consumption: A systematic search,’ Cogent Medicine, 6(1).
WHO (2023) Diabetes, World Health Organization.