Prediabetes Among Youth Doubled in 20 Years

Trends in prediabetes among children aged 12 to 19 doubled in the last 20 years, according to a survey study published in JAMA Pediatrics. According to data from the U.S. government’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999-2018, 1 in 5 children has prediabetes. Prediabetes was defined as hemoglobin A1c level of 5.7% to 6.4% or a fasting blood glucose level of 100mg/dL to 125mg/dL. These trends stayed true across socioeconomic and other variables such as weight, household food security, race, and age. Plant-based diets focused on fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains increase insulin sensitivity and address many risk factors for prediabetes including reduced intake of saturated fat.