Diabetes on the Rise in American Teenagers

A new study found diabetes and prediabetes in American teenagers aged 12 to 19 has reached a new staggering high: between 1999 and 2008 the percentage increased from 9 percent to 23 percent.
The study also found that 50 percent of overweight teens and 60 percent of obese teenagers have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including diabetes, high cholesterol levels, or high blood pressure.
Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say, "U.S. adolescents carry a substantial burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors especially those youth who are overweight or obese." The study suggests that those who have this risk factors in their younger years will most likely continue to be at risk in their adult years.

3,383 adolescents participated in a government survey from 1999-2008. All were interviewed, underwent a physical exam, and at the time, one-third were overweight or obese. 22 percent of the participants had borderline-high or high cholesterol levels and 15 percent had diabetes or prediabetes during the study. Only 6 percent had low levels of good cholesterol, while 14 percent had pre-hypertension or hypertension.
The percentage of those who were overweight or obese did not change drastically during the study, but the percentage of those with prediabetes or diabetes increased 14 percent. Researchers' findings indicate that "a large proportion of teens, regardless of their weight, would benefit from interventions that promote healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, and eating a healthy diet." However,only a blood test was used to determine pre-diabetes and diabetes, which can be unreliable in children.
If you are a diabetic and do not currently see a podiatrist, call our Bristol office to make an appointment.
Richard E. Ehle, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Diabetic Foot Care in CT
Podiatrist in Bristol, CT
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