Researchers in New Zealand checked 276 children ages 11-13 to see how many were at risk for prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels start getting too high. They found that about 35% of the kids studied showed signs of prediabetes risk. The study looked at what kids ate, their weight, and where they lived. Kids from Pacific Islander and Māori backgrounds were more likely to be at risk, especially those who were overweight or lived in crowded homes. The researchers discovered that kids eating lots of sugary snacks and takeout food had higher risk, while those eating mostly vegetarian diets with beans had lower risk. This early warning sign suggests that helping kids eat better and checking their health regularly could prevent serious diabetes problems later.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether kids in New Zealand between ages 11-13 are developing prediabetes, which is when blood sugar starts getting higher than normal but isn’t quite diabetes yet
  • Who participated: 276 school children ages 11-13 from New Zealand and their parents. The group included kids from different ethnic backgrounds, including Pacific Islander, Māori, and European families. Some kids were overweight, and they lived in different neighborhoods with varying levels of poverty
  • Key finding: About 35 out of every 100 kids in the study showed signs of being at risk for prediabetes. Kids from Pacific Islander and Māori backgrounds had higher risk rates, and kids who were overweight or obese were much more likely to be at risk
  • What it means for you: If you have kids in this age group, especially if they’re overweight or from Pacific Islander or Māori backgrounds, talking to a doctor about checking their blood sugar levels might be a good idea. Helping kids eat less sugary snacks and takeout food, and more home-cooked meals with vegetables and beans, may help prevent prediabetes from developing

The Research Details

This was a feasibility study, which means researchers were testing whether they could successfully screen kids for prediabetes risk outside of a regular doctor’s office. They recruited 276 children from schools in New Zealand and asked both the kids and their parents to fill out detailed questionnaires. The questionnaires asked about what the kids ate, measured their height and weight, and asked about their family’s income and living situation.

The researchers used special guidelines called the Australasian Paediatric Endocrinology Guidelines to figure out which kids were at risk. They looked at combinations of factors like being overweight, eating habits, and family background to determine risk levels. This approach allowed them to identify kids who might need further testing or lifestyle changes before they develop actual diabetes.

This type of study is important because it shows whether we can catch prediabetes early in kids before it becomes a serious problem. By identifying which kids are at highest risk, doctors and parents can step in with healthy eating and exercise changes that might prevent diabetes from developing. The study also shows which groups of kids need the most help, which can guide where health programs should focus their efforts

This study was published in a well-respected scientific journal called Scientific Reports, which means it went through expert review. The researchers used established medical guidelines to identify prediabetes risk, which makes the results more reliable. However, because this was a feasibility study with 276 kids from New Zealand, the results may not apply exactly the same way to kids in other countries or larger populations. The study gives us a good starting point but would need to be repeated with more kids to confirm the findings

What the Results Show

The most striking finding was that 35% of the children studied—more than one in three—showed signs of being at risk for prediabetes. This is a surprisingly high number and suggests that prediabetes risk in children is a bigger problem than many people realize.

When the researchers looked at different groups, they found important differences. Kids from Pacific Islander backgrounds had the highest risk rates, followed by Māori children, and then European children had lower rates. Kids who were obese (very overweight) were much more likely to be at risk compared to kids at a healthy weight.

The study also found that where kids lived mattered. Children living in overcrowded homes and in neighborhoods with higher poverty levels were more likely to be at risk for prediabetes. This suggests that living conditions and access to resources play a role in health outcomes.

The dietary analysis revealed two very different eating patterns among the kids. One group ate a wide variety of foods but included lots of sugary snacks, salty snacks, takeout meals, and sugary drinks. The second group ate mostly vegetarian foods with lots of beans and legumes. Interestingly, the vegetarian pattern was associated with lower prediabetes risk, while the diet high in processed snacks and sugary drinks was linked to higher risk. This suggests that the type of food kids eat, not just how much they eat, matters for prediabetes risk

This study adds to growing evidence that prediabetes in children is becoming more common, especially in certain populations. Previous research has shown that Pacific Islander and Māori communities in New Zealand face higher rates of obesity and diabetes, and this study confirms that the problem starts early in childhood. The finding that diet quality matters aligns with other research showing that sugary drinks and processed foods increase diabetes risk, while plant-based foods with fiber protect against it

This study only looked at 276 kids from New Zealand, so we can’t be sure the same percentages would apply to kids in other countries. The study was a snapshot in time, so we don’t know if these kids actually develop prediabetes later or if lifestyle changes could prevent it. The researchers relied on questionnaires that parents and kids filled out, which means some information might not be completely accurate. Also, kids whose parents agreed to participate might be different from kids whose parents didn’t, which could affect the results

The Bottom Line

Parents and caregivers should consider having kids in this age group checked for prediabetes risk, especially if they are overweight or have family members with diabetes. Schools and communities should work on making healthy foods more available and affordable. Kids should be encouraged to eat more home-cooked meals with vegetables, beans, and whole grains, and to drink water instead of sugary drinks. Regular physical activity is also important. These recommendations are supported by strong evidence but should be discussed with a doctor for individual situations

Parents of kids ages 11-13, especially those from Pacific Islander or Māori backgrounds, or kids who are overweight. Teachers and school administrators should care because they can help promote healthy eating at school. Healthcare providers should use this information to screen kids more carefully. Kids themselves should care because the habits they build now can affect their health for life. People living in communities with limited access to healthy food should especially pay attention, as this study shows that living situation affects risk

Changes in diet and activity levels can improve blood sugar control within weeks to months, but preventing prediabetes from developing into diabetes is a long-term goal. Kids who make healthy changes now may prevent serious health problems 10-20 years from now. It’s important to think of this as a long-term lifestyle change, not a quick fix

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of sugary drinks and processed snacks versus whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and beans. Set a goal like ‘zero sugary drinks on school days’ or ‘at least 2 vegetable servings at dinner’ and log progress daily
  • Use the app to plan and log one home-cooked meal per day that includes vegetables and beans instead of takeout. Create a shopping list feature that helps families buy healthy foods, and set reminders to drink water instead of sugary drinks
  • Track weight and waist measurements monthly, log physical activity daily, and monitor dietary patterns weekly. Set up quarterly check-ins to review progress and adjust goals. Connect with family members through the app to encourage each other and celebrate healthy choices together

This study suggests that prediabetes risk is common in children, but it does not diagnose prediabetes in any individual. If you are concerned about your child’s health or prediabetes risk, please consult with a healthcare provider who can perform proper medical testing and evaluation. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Any changes to diet or activity should be discussed with a doctor, especially for children with existing health conditions or taking medications.