What's behind the rise of prediabetes in U.S. teens? Symptoms, risks, and prevention
Alarming data have come to light recently. A CDC analysis finds that roughly one in three U.S. adolescents (ages 12–17) had prediabetes in 2023. That is about 8.4 million teens with higher-than-normal blood sugar, a figure far above the ~18% estimate from 2020.
Health officials warn this is a serious “wake-up call”: prediabetes is considered a “critical warning sign” that greatly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and related issues like heart disease and stroke.
What is prediabetes?Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. This condition reflects the body beginning to resist insulin, the hormone that lets cells absorb sugar. Without lifestyle changes, most people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes. Even at the prediabetes stage, elevated blood sugar can start to damage the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.
Symptoms and risk factorsPrediabetes often has no obvious symptoms, especially in young people. Doctors usually detect it through routine blood tests. One possible sign is acanthosis nigricans – dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck or armpits. (Classic diabetes symptoms like extreme thirst or fatigue usually appear only after full diabetes develops.)
Common risk factors include:
Excess body fat makes cells more insulin-resistant.
Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes raises the risk in a teen.
Diets high in sugary drinks, fast food, or processed snacks contribute to higher blood sugar.
Teens who get little exercise are more likely to develop prediabetes.
Prevention and treatmentFortunately, prediabetes can often be reversed or managed through lifestyle changes. CDC experts emphasize that “simple life changes – like healthy eating and staying active – can make a big difference”. The goal is to lower blood sugar by improving diet, increasing activity and reaching a healthy weight.
For example, eating balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (while cutting back on soda and sweets) helps stabilize blood sugar. Regular exercise (like walking, cycling, or team sports) makes muscles more sensitive to insulin and helps them use glucose efficiently.
Important steps for teens include:
Focus meals on nutritious foods (vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains) and limit sugar-sweetened drinks.
Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily (brisk walking, biking, sports, etc.).
If a teen is overweight, even slight weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can significantly improve blood sugar.
Teens with risk factors should have regular checkups. Overweight children may be screened for diabetes risk from age 10, and doctors can advise on diet and exercise early.
Most importantly, developing diabetes is not inevitable. With healthy habits, many teens can bring their blood sugar back to normal and avoid type 2 diabetes. Raising awareness and taking action now is a vital step to safeguard children’s long-term health.
Health officials warn this is a serious “wake-up call”: prediabetes is considered a “critical warning sign” that greatly increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and related issues like heart disease and stroke.
What is prediabetes?Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. This condition reflects the body beginning to resist insulin, the hormone that lets cells absorb sugar. Without lifestyle changes, most people with prediabetes will develop type 2 diabetes. Even at the prediabetes stage, elevated blood sugar can start to damage the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.
Symptoms and risk factorsPrediabetes often has no obvious symptoms, especially in young people. Doctors usually detect it through routine blood tests. One possible sign is acanthosis nigricans – dark, velvety patches of skin on the neck or armpits. (Classic diabetes symptoms like extreme thirst or fatigue usually appear only after full diabetes develops.)
Excess body fat makes cells more insulin-resistant.
Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes raises the risk in a teen.
Diets high in sugary drinks, fast food, or processed snacks contribute to higher blood sugar.
Teens who get little exercise are more likely to develop prediabetes.
For example, eating balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains (while cutting back on soda and sweets) helps stabilize blood sugar. Regular exercise (like walking, cycling, or team sports) makes muscles more sensitive to insulin and helps them use glucose efficiently.
Important steps for teens include:
Focus meals on nutritious foods (vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains) and limit sugar-sweetened drinks.
Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily (brisk walking, biking, sports, etc.).
If a teen is overweight, even slight weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can significantly improve blood sugar.
Teens with risk factors should have regular checkups. Overweight children may be screened for diabetes risk from age 10, and doctors can advise on diet and exercise early.
Most importantly, developing diabetes is not inevitable. With healthy habits, many teens can bring their blood sugar back to normal and avoid type 2 diabetes. Raising awareness and taking action now is a vital step to safeguard children’s long-term health.
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