Ep. 97. What Labs to Ask For Your Teen If Diabetes Runs In Your Family

If diabetes runs in your family and you're watching your teenager's health with a quiet sense of worry — you're not being paranoid. You're paying attention. And you're already ahead of most parents who don't ask questions until a doctor forces the conversation.In this episode, Dr. Jenny Gourgari breaks down something most families never hear: there are specific metabolic tests officially recommended for teenagers at elevated risk for diabetes — and most families don't know to ask for them.If your teen has a family history of diabetes, carries extra weight, shows signs of insulin resistance, or is in the middle of puberty (which itself causes a 30% drop in insulin sensitivity — yes, really), this episode is essential listening.Dr. Jenny walks you through every test, every number, and exactly what to say at your teen's next doctor's appointment — so you walk in informed, prepared, and ready to advocate for your child.In this episode you'll learn:Why family history of diabetes is a clinical risk factor — not just background informationHow insulin resistance builds quietly for years before blood sugar ever looks abnormalWhy puberty itself puts teens with family history at significantly higher riskThe exact criteria that qualify a teenager for metabolic screeningThe three tests to ask for — fasting glucose, Hemoglobin A1C, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) — and what every number meansWhat to do if results come back in the prediabetes rangeThree lifestyle changes you can start this week — sleep, food quality, and movement — with specific, doable stepsThis isn't about fear. It's about catching something early enough to actually do something about it. Prediabetes is reversible — but only if you know it's there.By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly what to ask for, what the numbers mean, and how to start changing the trajectory for your teenager — one small step at a time.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