Ep. 94 The Root Cause of Prediabetes in Teens — And What You Can Do About It

Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 teenagers in the United States has prediabetes? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari breaks down the root cause of prediabetes — in both adults and teenagers — and explains why adolescents face a unique and compounded risk during puberty.Dr. Gourgari walks us through the science in plain, accessible language: what happens in your body when you eat sugar, how insulin and beta cells work, and at what point the system begins to break down. She covers the key diagnostic numbers to know, the most important risk factors (including the ones you can change), and why belly fat plays such a central role in insulin resistance.You'll also learn why teenagers are especially vulnerable — from poor sleep and unhealthy snacking to the hormonal surges of puberty that can worsen insulin resistance by up to 30%. But there's genuine hope: prediabetes is reversible, and lifestyle changes can make a profound difference.In this episode:How insulin and beta cells drive blood sugar regulationThe exact numbers that define prediabetes vs. diabetesWhy visceral (belly) fat is the #1 modifiable risk factorThe unique puberty-related insulin resistance teenagers faceHow sleep, exercise, and food quality all play a roleWhy 30–50% of teenagers can reverse prediabetes with lifestyle changesWhether you're a parent, a teenager, or simply someone who wants to protect their metabolic health, this episode is packed with practical, empowering information.I’m Dr. Jenny Gourgari—pediatric endocrinologist, certified in obesity medicine and a health coach. After helping hundreds of teens struggling with their weight and hormones, I’ve created a whole new path by doing what most programs miss: balance puberty hormones naturally and create habits that actually last.Here's what makes this different:✅ No dieting. No calorie counting. No shame.✅ No more food fights between parents and teens.✅ No weight obsession—just healthy habits✅ Real science behind how puberty hormones affect weight✅ A safe, supportive approach that prevents eating disordersBecause when teens understand their hormones and get the right support, they don’t just lose weight—they gain strength, energy, confidence, and freedom!📲 Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly emails packed with easy tips, clinical insights, and practical tools🎁 Grab your FREE high-protein recipe guide with 30 meals teens will love.Links30 Healthy Recipes for teenslifestyleforteens.com/recipesSmoothies Recipes for teenslifestyleforteens.com/smoothiesSubscribe to my newsletterlifestyleforteens.com/newsletter