By Matt Underwood The shocking news that 1 in 3 teens have prediabetes is a real wake-up call. It’s a staggering figure, and honestly, it doesn’t completely surprise me. Thinking back to my own high school experience, the food choices weren’t exactly ideal. The “healthy” options were often basic and unappealing, while the tempting, sugary stuff was readily available and, let’s be honest, often more appealing. When you’re a growing teen, those extra calories can feel necessary, leading to a cycle of choosing the less nutritious options.
It seems like sugar is lurking everywhere these days. Single-serving drinks boasting more sugar than you should consume in a day, or even a day and a half, are commonplace. Bread, fruits, and countless other items have added sugar. We’re seeing an avalanche of it. It’s clear that we need to educate kids, especially those who aren’t naturally inclined towards physical activity, about the importance of reading nutrition labels. I remember seeing a drink with a whopping 87 grams of sugar – that’s practically poison in a bottle.
The rising prediabetes rates among adults are concerning too. I know people who have been recently diagnosed, and some of them appear healthy from the outside – thin, non-drinkers, and careful eaters. This widespread issue highlights the need for changes in how we eat. The debate around high fructose corn syrup and its impact on our food supply is important, and the fact it will not be regulated as a result of corporate interests is a problem.
For those of us trying to eat healthier, finding options that tick all the boxes can be a challenge. It’s tough to find foods with minimal sugar that also taste good and don’t cause stomach issues when artificial sweeteners are used. Then there is the cost. Healthy eating shouldn’t break the bank. And that point about fiber is crucial. We’re just not getting enough of it, and it plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar.
Beyond the sugar content, we need to consider the role of fats and metabolic function. The excess of fat prevents proper use of sugar, and the result is a negative impact on the body. We’re promised solutions like injections, but often they don’t address the root of the problem which is, ultimately, what we consume on a daily basis. It’s pretty obvious that humans aren’t designed to be fat, yet the trend of obesity and related illnesses continues.
The concerning part is how many kids are consuming calorie-dense drinks, like those from places such as Starbucks. These drinks contain massive amounts of sugar, and saturated fats. These drinks, coupled with a lack of physical activity, are a recipe for trouble. Consider how PE classes are being cut in some schools. Where can kids get their exercise then?
The issue is further compounded by the lack of walkability. In many suburban areas, getting around requires a car, which drastically limits opportunities for casual physical activity. Packaged foods in the US, compared to other countries, are often laden with more added sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. We’re even instructed to add butter to items where it is not necessary.
It’s alarming to see the amount of sugar in seemingly innocuous items. I’m holding a cream soda right now with 77 grams of sugar – that’s more than the daily recommended amount! This needs to change.