### Rising Prediabetes Rates in Young People Due to increasing obesity rates, more young people are being diagnosed with prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. This is concerning because prediabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes, which is associated with severe complications like heart disease and stroke. #### Key Findings - Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents and 1 in 4 young adults have prediabetes. - Prediabetes often has no symptoms, making it hard to detect without testing. - Obesity is a major risk factor, with about a third of U.S. adolescents being obese or overweight. #### Contributing Factors - Low physical activity levels - High consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods - Genetic factors #### Health Risks - Higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes - Increased likelihood of severe complications such as kidney disease and eye problems #### Economic Impact - In 2017, the total cost of healthcare for diabetes was $327 billion. - Individuals with diabetes spend an average of $16,750 per year on medical expenses. #### Prevention Tips - **Family-Based Interventions:** Encourage the whole family to adopt healthier habits, such as cutting out sugary drinks. - **Increase Physical Activity:** Find ways to reduce screen time and be more active, even without a gym membership. - **Healthy Eating:** Opt for water over soda, even when eating fast food. #### Challenges - Socioeconomic factors can make it difficult for some families to adopt healthier lifestyles. - Policy changes are needed but may take years to implement. #### Immediate Actions - Young adults can take an online test on the CDC prediabetes website to assess their risk. - Consult a doctor if the test indicates a high risk and work together to make lifestyle changes.