Is Your Teen at Risk for Prediabetes? Signs, Prevention, and Next Steps

You’ve probably heard about prediabetes in adults—but did you know that it’s becoming increasingly common in teens, too?

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), more than 1 in 5 adolescents in the U.S. have pre diabetes—a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.

The good news? With early action, prediabetes is reversible. As a parent, knowing the signs and taking simple, preventive steps can make all the difference in your teen’s lifelong health.

What Is Prediabetes?

Prediabetes means your teen’s body is having trouble managing blood sugar (glucose). It’s often linked to insulin resistance—when the body doesn’t respond well to insulin, the hormone that helps cells use glucose for energy.

Left unmanaged, prediabetes can progress to type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk for long-term health problems like heart disease, kidney damage, and nerve issues.

But here’s the key: prediabetes is not a permanent condition—especially when caught early.

Who’s at Risk?

Teens may be at higher risk if they:

• Have overweight or obesity

• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes

• Belong to certain racial or ethnic groups (including Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander)

• Are physically inactive most days of the week

Your child’s healthcare provider may recommend screening for prediabetes if they fall into one or more of these categories.

What Are the Signs of Pre diabetes in Teens?

Pre diabetes often has no clear symptoms, which is why regular checkups and screenings are so important. But sometimes, signs can include:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Darkened skin around the neck, armpits, or groin (a condition called acanthosis nigricans)

If you notice these signs—or if your teen is at risk—it’s a good idea to talk with your pediatrician about testing. Prediabetes can be diagnosed with a simple blood test to check blood glucose levels and A1c. 

How to Prevent (or Reverse) Pre diabetes

The most effective way to reverse pre diabetes in teens is through sustainable lifestyle changes—not diets or extreme exercise plans. Focus on small, family-wide shifts that support long-term health.

 1. Focus on Balanced Eating

• Prioritize fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains, and legumes

• Limit added sugars and ultra-processed snacks or sugary drinks

• Avoid skipping meals—balanced eating throughout the day helps stabilize blood sugar

Tip: Encourage mindful eating habits and involve teens in planning meals so they feel empowered, not restricted.

2. Get Moving—Together

The ADA recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day for teens. This doesn’t have to mean sports or gym workouts—it could be dancing, walking the dog, biking, or even doing chores to music.

Try: “Let’s take a walk after dinner” or “Want to do a quick dance break together?”

3. Support Sleep and Stress Management

Teens need 8–10 hours of sleep per night, and lack of sleep can increase insulin resistance. Chronic stress also affects blood sugar regulation.

Help your teen unplug before bed, maintain a consistent sleep routine, and build in daily stress-relief habits like deep breathing or journaling.

What to Do If Your Teen Is Diagnosed

If your teen is diagnosed with prediabetes, you’re not alone—and there is hope. With the right support, many teens are able to return their blood sugar levels to a healthy range.

The most powerful approach? Focusing on healthy habits, not weight, and creating a home environment that encourages energy, connection, and confidence.

Talk to your child’s healthcare provider if you’re concerned about their risk—and know that change is possible, one small step at a time. 

Need help supporting your teen’s health and wellbeing? Join Namio at www.namiohealth.com or follow Namio on social media @namiohealth.