Why more Indian teenagers are developing pre-diabetes and how to stop it

Doctors are seeing pre-diabetes in kids as young as 14. With rising screen time, junk food and stress, India’s youth face a silent health crisis. Here’s what parents need to know. (Image: Pexels)

A good night sleep has always been considered the important element of good health, yet for India’s young people, rest alone is no longer enough to shoo off a growing threat. Doctors are now raising the alarm over a steep rise in pre-diabetes among teenagers, signalling the early onset of a condition once considered the preserve of adults.

India, now the most populous country on the planet, sadly also carries the world’s highest number of diabetics. A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research–India Diabetes (ICMR-INDAB) suggests that an estimated 136 million Indians are pre-diabetic, and another 101 million already live with diabetes. What unsettles experts most is that the numbers increasingly include school-aged youngsters.

“This trend is deeply worrying,” says Dr Ravikeerthy, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road. "We are now seeing children as young as 14 or 16 presenting with pre-diabetes. It reflects how rapidly lifestyle habits are changing,  and not for the better", he tells Moneycontrol.

Also Read: Pre-diabetes risk rises from 15% in smokers to 28% in those who smoke and vape, says study

Pre-diabetes, marked by blood sugar levels higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range, signals early insulin resistance. However, Dr Ravikeerthy stresses, "it is completely reversible if detected early and managed with the right lifestyle corrections."

Teenagers falling into the danger zone:

Today’s teenagers spend more time tap-tapping on screens than running about outdoors. This shift, according to the doctor, lies at the heart of the crisis. “Hours of sitting, coupled with sugary drinks, junk food, and processed snacks, create the perfect conditions for insulin resistance.” explains Dr. Ravikeerthy, adding, “Sedentary routines, increased screen time and unhealthy food choices are driving this surge.”

The doctor says, stress plays a role too. "Modern academic pressure keeps youngsters mentally exhausted while depriving them of proper physical activity", Dr Ravikeerthy said.

Parents are urged to look for signs such as increased thirst, constant tiredness, sudden weight gain, more frequent urination, or dark patches around the neck or armpits. Children who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes should undergo regular screening.

Dr Ravikeerthy shares tips on how teens can reverse pre-diabetes:

• Get moving for at least 45–60 minutes a day — brisk walking, sports, dancing, or any activity that gets the heart going.
• Cut down on junk food and fizzy drinks, and bring in more fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
• Aim for 7–8 hours of proper sleep to allow the body to recover and regulate hormones.
• Monitor blood glucose regularly if diabetes runs in the family.

Also Read: Diabetes: Control blood sugar level, stop energy crashes with these smart eating habits at workplace

With the right awareness and early intervention, India’s teenagers can absolutely steer their blood sugar levels back to normal.

FAQs on Pre-diabetes in Indian Teenagers:

1. What is pre-diabetes?

Pre-diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It signals early insulin resistance but is completely reversible with early detection and proper lifestyle changes.

2. What are the signs of pre-diabetes in teenagers?

Parents should look out for increased thirst, constant tiredness, sudden weight gain, more frequent urination, or dark patches around the neck or armpits.

3. What factors are contributing to the rise of pre-diabetes in Indian teenagers?

Sedentary lifestyles, increased screen time, unhealthy food choices, and modern academic pressure are key contributors.

4. How can pre-diabetes be prevented or reversed in teenagers?

Encouraging physical activity for at least 45–60 minutes daily, reducing junk food and sugary drinks, ensuring 7–8 hours of proper sleep, and regular monitoring of blood glucose if there is a family history of diabetes can help prevent or reverse pre-diabetes.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.