Prediabetes is the first warning sign of type 2 diabetes. It is important to remind that diabetes is not a problem that only affects adults. In fact, it increasingly affects the paediatric/adolescent age group.
We consider pre-diabetes when blood glucose levels are high compared to what is normal, but not high enough for a concrete diagnosis of diabetes.
Adolescents who are significantly overweight, sedentary and with a family history of type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing this disease.
Increasing levels of stress among youngsters, together with poorer standards of nutrition and increased recreational ‘screen-time’ are all contributing to a ticking timebomb of children later becoming adults with diabetes.
Even with all of these risk factors, IT IS POSSIBLE to prevent or even reverse a prediabetes diagnosis:
- Lose excess weight in order to achieve a healthy body mass index;
- Choose a balanced diet that is relatively low in simple carbohydrates and sugars;
- Do regular physical activity;
- Sleep well and have well-defined sleep routines;
- Comply with regular medical check-ups.
Adolescents response to treatment is, normally, more positive than when dealing with an adult due to the early nature of the disease and as yet reversible behavioural traits. Focus on the present. You should start today.