Prediabetes among U.S. children has more than doubled.How to reduce risk – Zimo News

This increase was seen in nearly every subgroup of young Americans, regardless of income, race and education, he said Study author Junxiu LiuAssistant Professor of Population Health Sciences and Policy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York.

This Research published in JAMA PediatricsChildren aged 12 to 19 years were included and examined data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018. During this period, the rate of prediabetes among adolescents rose considerably from 11.6% to 28.2%. Steady progress has been made during this period.

Prediabetes is very common among adults, but 80 percent of those affected don’t know they have diabetes, according to the CDC.This condition is characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but have not yet reached the threshold for diabetes, and it increases a person’s risk of developing diabetes type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

“As a society, we need to work together to reduce obesity and prediabetes in young people,” Gabe said. “This will require a broad public health approach that works in schools, at home and, most importantly, in providing healthy food, with a special focus on those most at risk, such as the youth population.”

Liu said the study could not answer why prediabetes is on the rise, which is the next question future research should ask.

What parents and guardians can do

There may still be questions about the reasons for this increase, but Liu and Gabe say a healthy lifestyle is a great way for families to start reducing their risk.

Most children should engage in regular physical activity, spend less screen time, spend more time outdoors, eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep, Liu said.

Getting kids off the screen and moving can be a challenge for some, so CNN contributor Stephanie Mansour, host of PBS’ “Step It Up With Steph,” recommends working with your kids to find what works for them. Whether it’s a team sport, swimming in the summer or hiking with the family.

“Having your child find a sport or physical activity that interests them early on will keep them in good health and physical fitness during the school year, while giving them something to look forward to,” Mansour said.

When it comes to eating healthy, it doesn’t have to be a struggle.