Introduction to Prediabetes in American Adolescents
A new federal estimate shows a rise in prediabetes among American adolescents, a finding that is spurring concerns about the health of U.S. children — and the way Trump administration health officials are conducting research and communicating information, experts said.
The Alarming Rise in Prediabetes
In 2023, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. youngsters ages 12 to 17 had prediabetes, according to recently released data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That is far higher than a previous estimate that the condition affects about 1 in 5 kids.
Concerns About the Condition
There’s no question that prediabetes in U.S. youth is a serious concern. The condition puts them at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, plus heart disease, stroke and other metabolic problems.
Questions About the Accuracy of the Data
But scientists who study and treat diabetes noted that CDC officials released only a 600-word online summary of their new findings — not the raw data nor a peer-reviewed published paper describing how they arrived at the new figure. The agency also changed the methodology used to calculate the higher estimate without a detailed explanation. That underscores questions about the accuracy of information being released by America’s top public health agency following widespread staff cuts in recent months, experts said.
Expert Reactions
“For any of the national health organizations now being decimated by firings (and) layoffs, I am going to be skeptical of data updates until there is transparency and clarity on the source of the data and analysis,” said Christopher Gardner, an expert in diabetes and nutrition at Stanford University. The new analysis used “the latest science and technologies” and “the most updated methodology as science is continually evolving,” said Melissa Dibble, a CDC spokesperson.
Understanding Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a precursor to diabetes, a disease in which sugar builds up in the blood. Prediabetes is characterized by slightly elevated blood sugar levels, indicating that a person may progress to developing Type 2 diabetes. The researchers collected data about blood sugar levels in U.S. youth — but they also changed the methodology used to analyze the information, dramatically increasing the estimate of how common prediabetes is.
The New Analysis
The new analysis concludes that about 8.4 million U.S. adolescents — or nearly 33% — have prediabetes. That’s up from an estimate of 18% published in a 2020 peer-reviewed paper, which used the previous methodology. If the new methodology had been applied to that 2005-2016 data, the estimate would have been about 28%. The increase from 28% to nearly 33% is not statistically significant, even though it reflects an apparent rise in prediabetes among kids, said Steven Kahn, a diabetes researcher at the UW Medicine in Seattle and editor-in-chief of the journal Diabetes Care.
Transparency and Clarity
“I would like to believe it doesn’t diminish the quality of CDC data," said Kahn. "However, because there’s no raw data to look at, none of us can look at it to better understand where these numbers are derived from and what they really mean.” Dr. Samar Hafida, an endocrinologist and representative for the American Diabetes Association, said the new analysis “wasn’t very transparent,” but she noted that the CDC’s updated estimate generally squares with what doctors are seeing — an increase in youth with obesity and elevated blood sugar levels that put them at risk for serious future health problems.
The Way Forward
It remains unclear what proportion of kids with prediabetes will go on to develop the disease, noted Dr. Dana Dabelea, a researcher who studies pediatric diabetes at the University of Colorado. Blood sugar levels can rise in response to developmental changes during puberty and then resolve later, she said. Still, confirmed rates of obesity and diabetes among kids are rising. The diabetes association recommends that children and adolescents should be screened for Type 2 diabetes starting at age 10 if they are overweight or have obesity or another risk factor for the disease. Focusing on healthy diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors is key, noted Hafida.
Conclusion
The new estimate of prediabetes among American adolescents is a wake-up call for the nation, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action to address this growing health concern. While questions about the accuracy of the data remain, experts agree that prediabetes in U.S. youth is a serious issue that requires attention and action.
FAQs
Q: What is prediabetes?
A: Prediabetes is a condition characterized by slightly elevated blood sugar levels, indicating that a person may progress to developing Type 2 diabetes.
Q: How common is prediabetes among American adolescents?
A: According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 3 U.S. youngsters ages 12 to 17 had prediabetes in 2023.
Q: What are the risks associated with prediabetes?
A: Prediabetes puts individuals at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, plus heart disease, stroke and other metabolic problems.
Q: How can prediabetes be prevented or managed?
A: Focusing on healthy diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors is key to preventing or managing prediabetes.
Q: At what age should children be screened for Type 2 diabetes?
A: The diabetes association recommends that children and adolescents should be screened for Type 2 diabetes starting at age 10 if they are overweight or have obesity or another risk factor for the disease.
