One in three teens face risk of diabetes due to alarming prediabetes rates

In 2023, nearly one in three adolescents in the United States, or about 8.4 million young people, were reported to have prediabetes according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This substantial figure highlights a sharp rise from previous estimates, which found that approximately 18% were affected a few years prior. The condition, defined by elevated blood sugar levels that are not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, signals a critical warning about the health of American youth. Health experts note that prediabetes increases the risks of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, making early intervention necessary to mitigate these dangers. The CDC's findings have raised alarms among health officials, particularly given that obesity and unhealthy lifestyle habits among young people are on the rise. Factors contributing to prediabetes include being overweight, lack of physical activity, and having family histories of diabetes. Notably, specific racial and ethnic groups, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American youths, are at an elevated risk. Dr. Christopher Holliday, the CDC's leader on diabetes prevention, describes these new figures as a wake-up call for the nation, urging for lifestyle modifications such as healthy eating and regular exercise. These findings come amidst broader concerns regarding the methodology used in gathering and analyzing the data. Some experts question the transparency and reliance on the updated analysis methods utilized by the CDC, suggesting skepticism about the figures presented. Nevertheless, they generally align with observations of increasing youth obesity and health complications associated with prediabetes. As the prevalence grows, health officials emphasize the importance of screening children and adolescents for risk factors starting at age 10. Without intervention, a significant portion of these young individuals are vulnerable to progressing to Type 2 diabetes—a chronic condition that can lead to serious health complications, including kidney disease and heart disorders. Therefore, promoting awareness, education, and actionable lifestyle changes is critical. Health authorities assert that simple adjustments—such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables into diets, managing stress levels, and establishing a consistent exercise routine—can potentially reverse or delay the onset of diabetes, which has major implications not only for individual health but for the healthcare system nationwide.