Three out of every ten adolescents exhibit early signs of diabetes, according to fresh data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The prevalence of prediabetes among U.S. adolescents aged 12 to 17 has seen a significant increase, with approximately 33% (or 8.4 million teens) estimated to have prediabetes in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [2][3][4]. This figure represents a sharp rise compared to earlier years, with male and female teen HbA1c rates rising by 84% and 75% respectively from 2018 to 2025 [1].
Several factors have contributed to this rise, including overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, family history, and unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits [2]. Excess weight is a primary risk factor leading to insulin resistance in youth, while adolescents engaging in physical activity fewer than three times per week have a higher risk. Having a close relative with Type 2 diabetes also increases susceptibility, and poor diet and sedentary behavior prevalent in modern adolescent lifestyles exacerbate the risk.
Health experts stress that prediabetes in adolescents is largely preventable through improved diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and early screening [2]. Emphasizing balanced nutrition low in processed sugars and unhealthy fats, engaging in at least moderate exercise three or more times a week, maintaining a healthy weight through lifestyle changes, and identifying at-risk youth for timely intervention are key strategies for prevention.
If left untreated, prediabetes in adolescents can lead to serious health complications. These include the development of Type 2 diabetes, an increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, potential lifelong health management challenges, and psychosocial impacts [2][3]. The rising rates among youth serve as a critical warning sign for public health, underscoring the need for early prevention strategies to curb progression to diabetes and associated complications.
The CDC's top official in charge of diabetes prevention, Dr. Christopher Holliday, has stated that Type 2 diabetes poses a significant threat to young people's health [5]. Meanwhile, Dr. Holliday considers the new data on prediabetes among teens a "wake-up call" [6]. The increase in prediabetes among both teens and adults suggests a growing concern for diabetes and related health issues in the United States.
In addition, ER visits for tick bites are near record levels across the US this summer, indicating a potential increase in tick-borne diseases [7]. This adds to the health concerns facing the nation, underscoring the importance of preventive measures and early intervention for both prediabetes and tick-borne diseases.
References: [1] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0721-diabetes-statistics-report.html [2] https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/youth.html [3] https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/youth-data.html [4] https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/youth-data/index.html [5] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0721-diabetes-statistics-report.html [6] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0721-diabetes-statistics-report.html [7] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2023/p0721-tick-borne-disease-surveillance-report.html
- Adolescent health is faced with a rise in chronic diseases, particularly prediabetes, due to factors like overweight and obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
- Experts in health and wellness urge prevention methods for prediabetes among adolescents, emphasizing balanced nutrition, regular exercise, weight management, and early screening.
- If left unchecked, prediabetes in youth can progress into serious health issues such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and potential psychosocial impacts.
- The increase in prediabetes among adolescents, alongside a growing concern for tick-borne diseases, highlights the significance of preventive measures and early intervention for maintaining overall mental and physical health.
