CDC Says 1 in 3 Kids Have Prediabetes—What To Know

A new federal report about prediabetes is raising questions among experts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that 1 in 3 children had prediabetes in 2023, a reversible condition that puts people of any age at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

According to the Associated Press, scientists who study and work with patients with diabetes relayed concerns that the CDC released a 600-word online summary that lacked raw data and a peer-reviewed publication explaining the method they used to arrive at the latest figures.

“This study is open to interpretation,” Kristen Cook, MD, a pediatrician with Ascension in Wisconsin, tells Parents. 

Still, the report is bringing attention to prediabetes in kids, something that experts have been paying attention to for some time. A peer-reviewed 2022 study published in JAMA Pediatrics of nearly 7,000 youth found that the rate of prediabetes in U.S. youth increased from 11.6% in 1999-2002 to 28.2% from 2015-18.

So what do parents need to know about the report and prediabetes? Experts help us break it down.

What Experts Say About the CDC’s Report on Prediabetes

Experts don’t suggest panicking over the new report. But they do emphasize that awareness around the risk of prediabetes, how to prevent it, and how to reverse it is important.

“Parents should exercise a standard level of caution and mindfulness, coupled with awareness,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. “While the CDC’s latest report indicates a higher prevalence—nearly 1 in 3 youth—some experts are questioning the significant jump due to changes in the methodology of analysis. However, even if the true prevalence is closer to earlier estimates, like 1 in 5, it still represents a substantial portion of youth at risk.”

For Dr. ​​Ganjian, “The key takeaway is that prediabetes is a serious concern because it puts children at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other metabolic problems.”

One benefit of the report is that it increases the conversation around prediabetes—a condition people often think only develops in middle age, says Mehul Patel, MD, the medical director of Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics. Some data indicates that the average age for developing prediabetes is around 43, but it can happen to children, too.

Breaking Down the Difference Between Type 2 and Type 1

Importantly, prediabetes is only a precursor to type 2 diabetes, not type 1. Type 1 diabetes is a form of diabetes often diagnosed in childhood that is markedly different than type 2 despite sharing a name.

“Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas,” explains Dr. Ganjian. “This means the body produces little to no insulin.”

That’s distinct from type 2, the most common type.

“With type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin and/or the body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin, which is insulin resistance,” Dr. Ganjian adds. “A child at risk for type 1 diabetes would be monitored for autoantibodies—proteins that attack healthy cells—and blood sugar levels, but a prediabetes diagnosis, as understood in the context of insulin resistance, doesn’t apply.”

Signs of Prediabetes To Know

Prediabetes doesn’t usually cause symptoms. But Shannon J. Fox Levine, MD, a pediatrician with Bluebird Kids Health, says some potential flags for prediabetes include:

• Fatigue
• Increased thirst and urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Slow-healing sores
• Acanthosis, dark marks on the back of the neck

These symptoms could also be signs of another issue, so it’s helpful for parents to speak with their health care provider about their concerns. 

To test for prediabetes, Dr. Patel says health care providers run blood tests, mainly checking one’s hemoglobin A1C.

“The ranges are the same as in adults: 5.7 to 6.4 is considered prediabetes, and 6.5 and above is considered type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Patel.

What To Do if Your Child Has Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a warning sign of an increased risk of diabetes.

“In prediabetes, a person can still metabolize glucose, but the pancreas generally must produce a higher-than-normal amount of insulin to maintain normal glucose levels in the bloodstream,” Dr. Cook says. “A person can have prediabetes for many years before officially being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.”

But there are ways to prevent the condition from progressing to that point.

Prioritize healthy eating as a family

While genetics play a role in prediabetes, many cases are linked to diets high in processed foods and sugary drinks. Dr. Ganjian suggests making reversing prediabetes a family affair, especially at mealtime. 

“Dietary habits are often established within the family unit,” he says. “Making healthy food choices a family affair ensures consistency, provides positive role modeling, and prevents the child from feeling singled out.”

Here’s what he suggests parents do:

• Limit sugary beverages, like sodas and juices with added sugar.
• Prioritize plain water and low-fat milk.
• Have more home-cooked meals and involve children in meal prep.
• Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods, particularly fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.
• Control portion sizes.

Get moving

Try and ensure children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily.

“This can be riding bikes, swimming, playing a sport, or just turning up the music and dancing in the house,” Dr. Levine says. “Parents can set a great example by doing things together as a family.”

Focus on sleep and stress management

Diet and exercise are expected pillars of healthy lifestyles. But when it comes to diabetes risk, experts share that sleep and stress are often overlooked. Research indicates stress can factor into blood sugar increases.

Dr. ​​Ganjian suggests:

• Consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends to regulate the body’s natural rhythms.
• Create a sleep environment that is cool, dark, and quiet to encourage sleep.
• Promote relaxation before bed, such as through less stimulating activities like quiet play, a warm bed, and reading.

Adds Dr. Patel, “Reducing stress can really help. Focusing on things that keep us happier can actually affect diabetes, too.”