6 Ways to Prevent Prediabetes in Teens and Support Healthy Blood Sugar
Life choices like staying active and eating well-balanced meals can help manage your child's blood sugar and prevent diabetes later in life.
By Tanya Kadrmas-Iannuzzi, DO, Pediatrician, Rowan Medicine Pediatrics
Between growth spurts, mood swings, and shifting hormones, the teen years are full of transitions. But one change is showing up more often than it should: prediabetes in teens.
One in three kids ages 12 to 17 has prediabetes, according to a recent study. That’s a warning sign—and an opportunity to make a change. Prediabetes means blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But they’re not high enough to count as type 2 diabetes.
Developing diabetes is not inevitable. Simple life choices, like staying active and eating well-balanced meals, can help reverse course and improve their overall health.
How to manage blood sugar in your teenager:
Get them regular check-ups.
Prediabetes often has no symptoms. Have your teen see their doctor regularly, even if everything seems fine. They will check height, weight, and blood pressure, and decide if a blood test for prediabetes is needed.
Watch their weight.
Being overweight is a major risk factor for prediabetes and diabetes. Your child’s care team can offer guidance on staying within the recommended range.
Change food rules.
Eat meals together when you can. Don’t insist that kids clean their plates. And if you want to reward completed chores or other good behaviors, choose a nonfood treat.
Snack better.
Prepackaged foods are tasty and convenient but tend to fall short on nutrition. Add low-fat, low-sugar options into the mix, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
Teach lifelong lessons.
To help your teen cut back on added sugars and highly processed foods, show them how to read food labels. Also, look online for lists of low-glycemic foods that help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Invite them into the kitchen to get practice cooking with whole grains, lean proteins, and veggies.
Move more.
Physical activity helps control weight and improves how the body uses insulin. Kids and teens should move for at least an hour a day. This doesn’t have to be structured exercise or sports—any type of activity they enjoy is fair game.
Keep your teen healthy
Eating well, exercise, and regular visits with a health care provider are key to your family’s health. Call 856-566-7040 to make an appointment for your teen at an office of Rowan Medicine - Pediatrics, an affiliate of Virtua Medical Group, near you.
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