Key Takeaways

Ultra-processed foods can increase diabetes risk among young adults17- to 22-year-olds who ate more ultra-processed foods were more likely to have prediabetesThey also were more likely to have signs of insulin resistance

THURSDAY, Nov. 13, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Chowing down on ultra-processed foods – fast food, packaged snacks, heat-and-eat meals – increases young adults’ risk of health problems that contribute to diabetes , a new study warns.

An increase in ultra-processed food intake is associated with a higher risk of prediabetes , in which early-stage high blood sugar can lead to type 2 diabetes , researchers reported Nov. 10 in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism .

More ultra-processed eats in one’s diet were also linked to an increase in insulin resistanc

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