The Influence of Physical Activity, Smoking Habits on Prediabetes and Diabetes at Age 18-24 Years

Abstract

Objective and Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to impairments in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing globally, and modifiable risk factors such as physical activity and smoking are known to contribute to its development. While physical activity is recognized as a protective factor against diabetes, smoking has been identified as a risk factor that may interfere with glucose metabolism, possibly through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This study aimed to explore the association between physical activity and smoking habits with the risk of diabetes mellitus among individuals aged 18-24 years. Methods: This descriptive quantitative analysis used secondary data to examine the relationship between physical activity, smoking habits, and the risk of diabetes mellitus. Data were collected from a sample of individuals aged 18-24 years to assess their physical activity levels and smoking behaviors. Results: The analysis revealed no significant evidence of an association between physical activity habits, smoking habits, and the risk of developing diabetes mellitus in individuals aged 18-24 years. These findings suggest that, within this age group, neither physical activity nor smoking were found to have a measurable impact on the risk of diabetes mellitus based on the data analyzed.