Pre-diabetes in youth and teenagers: warning signals and how to prevent

Although it is more common in people over 40 years old, the image has grown among the youngest

In eight years, the Dear outpatient of children and teenagers for type 2 diabetes 225% grew in Brazil, according to the data of the Ministry of Health for the period from 2015 to 2023

In addition to the cases already established, many young people could be to an internship called pre-diabeteswhich requires attention and measures to avoid progression in type 2 diabetes.

What is pre-diabetes?

THE Pre-diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels (sugar) are above normalBut not high enough to be classified as type 2 diabetes – more common type of disease, which occurs when the body cannot produce insulin correctly and cells become more resistant to its action.

The genetic characteristics and weight gain, in particular of visceral fat, lead to greater body resistance to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas whose main function is to position glucose inside the cells to generate energy.

In short, the visceral fat leads to the resistance, which in turn overloads the pancreas, which must work doubled so that glucose is developed. This overload ends to ensure that the organ is no longer able to produce insulin as before. And this is how pre-diabetes develop: from a mix of insulin resistance, in excess of abdominal fat and a “tired” pancreas.

As a result, blood sugar is left. “It is worrying because it is characterized by the increase in risk for the future development of type 2 diabetes, as well as cardiovascular diseases”, explains Tarissa Petry, endocrinologist at the specialized center Obesity and diabetes of the German hospital Oswaldo Cruz.

Did the pre-diabetes grown among young people?

A report published in the magazine Jama Pediatrics He indicated that 28% of teenagers and young Americans pre-diabetes. According to the study, in about 20 years, the prevalence of the picture between people aged between 12 and 19 who has doubled.

In Brazil, such as diabetes, the condition also emerged previously and previously, says Dr. Fernando Valente, director of the Department of Diabetes Mellito of the Brazilian company of Endocrinology and metabology (Sbem).

It is not surprising that the medical recommendation on when the study of the image has changed. “The age has been modified from 45 years to 35, even without risk factor,” he says.

When to look for a doctor?

People with risk factors such as overweight or obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome and family history should perform tests before 35 years.

According to Valente, screening can start from 10 years if the child is overweight and some other associated risk factor.

Why did the pre-diabetes grow among the little ones?

The increase in pre-diabetes among young people is particularly linked to the progress of overweight and obesity in this age group, says Valente. The main illness? A lifestyle with habits away from the ideal.

“Always and less people consume salad, solid fruit or fiber foods that could reduce risks”, the doctor exemplifies.

THE unbalanced, full of ultra elaborate menu And soft drinks, it’s just a part of the problem. The drop in physical activity also weighs the account. The sedentary lifestyle, by the way, is indicated as one of the main triggering factors for the early development of pre-diabetes.

In addition, a greater knowledge of the framework and the search for exams can also echo the growth of diagnoses.

What are the risk factors for teenagers?

The main risks are linked to the weight, genetic presence or presence associated with insulin resistance.

But another point of attention also arrives before birth. Children of women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop overweight and changes in metabolism throughout life.

“And this number is also growing. One out of five out of five is exposed to excess sugar still inside the uterus,” warns Valente.

Common symptoms among young people

Pre-diabetes is generally asymptomatic, since blood sugar is not yet high enough to cause clinical manifestations. Therefore, most people discover the condition only by testing routine.

In such cases, the criteria for pre-diabetes diagnoses include:

• Fasting glucose between 100 and 125 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl);
• Glyted hemoglobin (examination indicating the average level of glucose in the blood in recent months) between 5.7% and 6.4%;
• Oral glucose tolerance test (TOTG) with 2h glucose between 140 and 199 mg/dl.

In addition, according to the Brazilian diabetes company (SBD), some symptoms and signs indicating that the patient has already passed the pre-diabetes stadium for type 2 diabetes

• Increased thirst and hunger;
• Frequent urination;
• Fatigue;
• Cloudy vision;
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet;
• Wounds that do not heal;
• Frequent infections;
• Involuntary weight loss.

What are the advice for prevention in advance?

Invest in food greet, physical activity Regular loss and weight can normalize glucose levels and prevent diabetes progression.

The endocrinologist Luciano Giaciaglia, coordinator of the SBD department of type 2 and pre-diabetes, indicates that it is important to follow a diet with the main macronutrients and micronutrients, such as fibers, vitamins and minerals.

Fiber, in particular soluble fibers, reduce the speed of digestion and absorption of food, making glucose slower in the body. Consequently, in addition to collaborating with the control of blood sugar levels, they also prolong the feeling of satiety, reducing appetite.

Another important measure, says Giaciaglia, is a correct hydration, therefore water consumption should be stimulated during the day.

In addition, according to the nutritionist Marice Marques, coordinator of the SBD nutritional department, it is recommended to cut the consumption of ultra -elaborate foods and sugary drinks, a guide valid for the entire population.

The extent also recommends performing 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, which helps to reduce the risk of pre-diabetes progression for diabetes.

The combined practice of aerobic exercise and resisted is also effective for reducing glycated hemoglobin levels, being recommended for people who live with type 2 diabetes.

Is it possible to reverse the image?

“Pre-diabetes can be reversible, especially when diagnosed in advance,” says Tarissa.

According to studies, from 5% to 10% of body weight it can already significantly reduce the risk of evolution of the disease.

In these cases, Giaciaglia underlines that the most appropriate term is “remission”, not “healing”.

Although control of glucose levels in the blood, when a person develops pre-diabetes, it is clear that they have already lost a percentage of pancreas and beta pancreatic cells, responsible for the production of insulin.

What treatments are indicated?

Pre-diabetes treatment is based on behavioral modification and, for some patients, includes the use of medicines.

The change of lifestyle includes an adequate diet, weight loss and systematic physical activity.

According to experts, studies indicate that people who adopt these measures intensely can reduce the risk of progression up to 58%.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.