Risk Factor for Prediabetes Development in Young People Identified 0 7

Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California have found that frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods — fast food, sugary drinks, snacks, and ready-to-eat breakfasts — increases the risk of developing prediabetes in young people. The results of the study were published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism (N&M).

For four years, the researchers monitored 85 participants aged 17 to 22, recording their diet and metabolic indicators. It was found that an increase in the share of ultra-processed foods by just 10 percent in the diet raised the likelihood of prediabetes by 64 percent, while the risk of blood sugar regulation disorders increased by 56 percent. Participants with higher consumption of these foods also showed more frequent insulin resistance — a condition in which the body uses insulin less effectively, increasing the likelihood of prediabetes progressing to type 2 diabetes.

The authors emphasize that early adulthood is a critical stage for forming eating habits. Replacing fast food and sugary drinks with whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can significantly reduce the risk of metabolic disorders and prevent the development of diabetes in the future.