The number of teens with diabetes or pre-diabetes more than doubled between 1999 and 2008, a new study reports. Pre-diabetes — a condition where blood sugar levels are too high, but not yet to the severity of diabetes — can ultimately lead to the full disease. The study also found that half of overweight teens had at least one risk factor for heart disease. MSNBC: reports:

The findings indicate “U.S. adolescents carry a substantial burden of [cardiovascular disease] risk factors, especially those youth who are overweight or obese,” said the researchers from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Studies suggests such risk factors in children can persist into adulthood, the researchers said.

The researchers analyzed information from 3,383 adolescents who participated in a government survey between 1999 and 2008. Participants were interviewed and underwent a physical exam. About one-third were overweight or obese.

Overall, 22 percent of participants had borderline-high or high cholesterol levels, and 15 percent had diabetes or pre-diabetes during the study period. About 6 percent had low levels of “good” cholesterol, and 14 percent had pre-hypertension or hypertension.

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