Healthy + Happy #4: Prediabetes on the Rise in Youth
Prediabetes on the Rise in Youth
Prediabetes is exactly what it sounds like: a warning. When blood sugar levels rise to higher-than-normal levels — but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes — that’s prediabetes. It’s a serious health condition, and in the last 20 years, it has more than doubled among U.S. youth.
New diabetes diagnoses among U.S. adults have modestly declined (US News) in the past decade, but factors like screen time and a lack of sidewalks(Healthline) have led to a significant increase in prediabetes (CNN) among U.S. kids. And COVID hasn't helped (The New York Times).
Adolescents and young adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes lose approximately 15 years of life and experience complications by their forties (Journal of Diabetic Medicine).
For most, prediabetes is reversible through lifestyle changes (Washington Post). Think: dietary adjustments (HCNYC Food Policy Center) like eating healthy, plant-based meals (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health). Policy makers are beginning to pay attention (Civil Eats).
In the News
Happy Earth Day!
In 2022, eco-anxiety (Medical News Daily), fear of ecological disaster, and an uptick in climate-related health issues (News Medical) are affecting our kids. But help and resources are out there (Health Central), and young people are learning to cope (Teen Vogue).
Some good Earth news: the Rockefeller Foundation is prioritizing climate-friendly food to the tune of $105 million (US News). Curious about how your diet contributes to climate change? Take this fast and easy quiz (New York Times) and check out Cool Food's ideas on how to lower your carbon footprint through your diet.
Inevitably, kids grow — and grow out of things like sports equipment. Learn how to effectively recycle and resell when sneakers and mitts get too small (Green Matters).
School food legislation updates and innovations.
The bipartisan bill, Support Kids Not Red Tape Act, which would extend school meal waivers by 15 months, is still seeking support from lawmakers (TIME). Meanwhile, on top of supply chain issues and staffing shortages, inflation (Marketplace) is adding extra stress to school food professionals. Here’s one way to show your support.
School districts are finding innovative solutions for labor and supply issues by cooking school lunches from scratch (The Washington Post).
Taking risks can improve kids’ health, labeling athletes can disrupt it.
Play that involves taking risks can benefit kids’ health (LifeHacker). One New York City park is putting that theory to the test (NBC) — no parents allowed.
Sports can improve kids’ quality of life and concentration (Science Daily), but labelling those young athletes (The Stack) can be dangerous to development.
Events, Happenings and Opportunities
Applications are due May 1 for ScratchWorks’ inaugural gathering, which will bring together U.S. school food service leaders committed to creating, improving and building upon their scratch cooking models.
Life Time Foundation is hiring a Program Analyst based in Chanhassen, Minnesota or Denver
Laveen School District in Phoenix seeks a Nutritionist
Have other national events or grant opportunities you'd like us to highlight? Let us know.
We hope you enjoyed Healthy + Happy. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts.
Sincerely,
The Life Time Foundation Team