An estimated 1 in 3 teens and preteens, ages 12 to 17, have prediabetes, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC data means an estimated 8.4 million young people – or 32.7% of the U.S. adolescent population – had prediabetes in 2023, the most recent data available.
With prediabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
I didn’t realize until around like 2016 realizing from a steady stream of new coworkers out of high school to fresh college grads talking about their doctor telling them they were prediabetic. Then lunchtime with them either they brought from home or purchased during work lunch time, I didn’t realize how many families made juice/soda and desert a part of every meal. Bag of chips or slice of cake or it wasn’t a full meal so it was hard for these now adults to feel complete without a sugary drink and either a fried salty snack or sweet pastry
People snack during the day, and for many that means smaller main meals, but some people snack equivalent of whole meals. Like 3 meals a day plus the equivalent of at least one more just in unfocused regular downing of small bites, whether in reasonable amounts healthy or like mini slim jim’s, and energy drinks
Gotta have those dopamine hits from the extremely sweet drinks. If they are carbonated, then you get even more dopamine!
Things were not perfect for me growing up, but I’m glad desert with every meal wasn’t a thing my family did. I’ve met many people who think about it like how you described.
Interesting about the carbonation. I used to think I was addicted to the sugar in soft drinks. Turns out, nope, I’m addicted to the bubbles. I drink carbonated water like it’s going out of style, and rarely drink the sugar drinks now.
You just learned an important thing about addiction.
I learned that I wasn’t addicted to tobacco. I was addicted to smoke.
I wasnt addicted to smoke, I was addicted to that punch in the lungs. A vape or similar could replace.
I’m wasn’t addicted to that punch in the lungs, it just gives me pause from my anxious brain.
That also reminds me and some troubles of picking breakfast with some people. Some people really need pancakes/waffles with butter and syrup for breakfast. Or something similarly sweet and fatty.
Bagel with what looks and feels to me when eating, an insane amount of cream cheese. At least that I can ask for a thin swipe