Understanding Pre-Diabetes in Adolescents: Insights and guidance from Corewell Health

Pre-diabetes, a critical stage where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes, is on the rise in adolescents. Addressing it early can slow or stop the progression to Type 2 diabetes and promote long-term health. 

Corewell Health offers guidance for parents so they can help their children stay healthy and buck the trend.

Pre-Diabetes in Adolescents

Pre-diabetes is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that signal a risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Factors contributing to pre-diabetes in adolescents include poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity and genetic predisposition. 

Early intervention is crucial to prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes and associated health complications.

"In the last few years, we are seeing a greater incidence of pre-diabetes within the adolescent patient population, including a recent patient who I was able to refer to our Corewell Health Children’s pediatric diabetes clinic," said Dr. Linda Dillon, a Corewell Health pediatrician and adult internal medicine physician. 

"She’s been battling pre-diabetes for several years now, during which time she and her family made lifestyle changes that initially lowered her blood sugar. We were also diligent about coaching and follow-up screening. 

"Contributing factors, including overweight and obesity, are fairly complex and include social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food and exercise and socioeconomic factors. 

"On the plus side, when her disease progressed to Type 2 Diabetes, we were able to transfer her care somewhat seamlessly to our pediatric diabetes clinic and she was able to see an endocrinologist and dietician right away," Dillon said. 

Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Understanding the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes is essential for effective management and prevention:

Type 1 Diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It typically develops in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy.
• Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, extreme hunger, unintended weight loss and fatigue.

Type 2 Diabetes:

• Type 2 diabetes is more common and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. It is often linked to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.
• Symptoms may develop gradually and include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and slow-healing sores.

"Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented with behavior. A nutritious diet, regular physical activity and minimizing sweets, however, are vital to preventing and reducing the risk and severity of Type 2 diabetes," Dr. Dillon said. 

How Parents Can Help

Parents play a crucial role in helping their children manage pre-diabetes and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Here are some tips:

1. Promote Healthy Eating:

• Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. Limit sugary snacks, processed foods and sugary beverages.
• Involve children in meal planning and preparation to teach them about nutrition and healthy choices. Model appropriate portion sizes and listening to our body’s fullness cues.

2. Encourage Physical Activity:

• Aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily. Activities can include sports, walking, biking, dancing or any other exercise that the child enjoys.
• Make physical activity a family affair by participating in activities together, such as hiking or playing sports.
• Limit screen time in favor of activities that involve physical movement.

"We like to talk to our parents and families about the importance of eating family meals and exercising together," Dr Dillon said.  

"It could be going for a bike ride or walk or even taking a five-minute YouTube video dance break." 

3. Monitor Weight and Health:

• Regularly monitor your child's weight and growth to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight.
• Schedule regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor blood sugar levels and overall health.

4. Educate and Support:

• Educate your child about pre-diabetes and the importance of lifestyle changes. Encourage open communication about their health and any challenges they may face.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to help your child stay motivated and committed to healthy habits.

Pre-diabetes in adolescents is a manageable condition with the right interventions and support. By understanding the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and implementing healthy lifestyle changes, parents can help their children reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and promote long-term health. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2021, an estimated 352,000 Americans under the age of 20 had diabetes; one in three children born during that same year is expected to develop diabetes at some point in their lifetime. 

Corewell Health Children’s in Southeast Michigan offers one of the largest pediatric diabetes programs in Michigan. It’s four physicians and two nurse practitioners, in addition to social workers and dietitians, care for more than 1,000 patients. 

Parent and child counseling and education enables young patients to develop in an environment that supports increasing responsibility for diet, monitoring, medication and lifestyle choices. Parents also receive 24-hour telephone access to their child's care team.

For more information visit, https://corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/childrens/southeast-michigan/pediatric-specialties/endocrinology 

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