The Rise of Type 2 Diabetes in Youth By: Anushka Bhatt

 The Rise of Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

By: Anushka Bhatt

Let’s be real- most of us love snacks. From Takis to boba to energy drinks, we’re surrounded by sugar and carbs. But there’s something serious we should be talking about: Type 2 diabetes is now showing up in teens. It used to be an “adult problem,” but not anymore.

According to the CDC, 1 in 5 U.S. teens is prediabetic. That’s wild.

It’s not just about eating too many cookies. It’s also about a lack of safe spaces to play, gym classes getting cut, and food deserts where healthy options are hard to find. And yeah, genetics plays a part, but lifestyle matters a lot too.

The scary part? Type 2 diabetes can lead to kidney disease, vision loss, and even amputations if left untreated. That’s your future being affected. Not 40 years from now- this could be your twenties or thirties.

We need more than just “eat healthier” advice. We need schools with real health programs, communities with parks, and actual access to fresh food. And maybe we can start by learning what’s in our snacks and how our choices stack up.

Citation:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Prevalence of Prediabetes Among Adolescents.” 2023.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/trend-youth-diabetes.html