It's not just genetics

Childhood diabetes rates are rising — and the role of ultra-processed foods is under scrutiny. We help families understand what happened and what you can do next.

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1 in 4
1 in 4 young adults have pre-diabetes, according to a study by CDC scientists
Source: CDC, 2019
5% 
New type 2 Diagnoses are rising 5% each year
Source: NIH, 2023
2x
Estimated type 2 diabetes in young americans doubled
Source: JAMA Pediatrics, 2023

How ultra-processed foods affect children's health

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations made from substances derived from foods, often containing additives not found in home kitchens. These foods are strongly linked to diabetes risk.

01

Blood sugar spikes


High in refined sugars and low in fiber, causing rapid blood glucose increases that strain the pancreas over time.

02

Insulin resistance

Regular consumption can lead to cells becoming less responsive to insulin, a key mechanism in Type 2 diabetes.

03

Weight gain

High calorie density and poor satiety signals contribute to obesity, a major risk factor for diabetes.

04

Inflamation

Additives and preservatives may trigger chronic inflammation, linked to various metabolic disorders.

Girl taking a diabetes medicine shot

Why is ultra-processed food worth talking about?

Diets high in ultra-processed foods—like sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and frozen meals—are increasingly linked to rising cases of type 2 diabetes in children.

These foods are loaded with sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives that disrupt glucose regulation, putting kids at greater risk when consumed regularly.

LATEST CASE UPDATES
The Guardian · June 21
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The campaign, estimated to cost between $10-20 million, will urge Americans to shift...
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The Maha campaign seeks to warn Americans of the dangers of ultra-processed foods
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"My son struggle with food wasn’t just physical — it affected his self-worth and isolated him. Finding support helped him take the first real step toward healing."
Mary M.
Mother of a child diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Mother with diabetes kid
"We’re at the hospital several times a month. It’s exhausting — mentally and physically. We both live with constant worry and emotional strain."
Beth P.
Grandmother of a child diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Grandmother handling a medication to child
"I grew up on ultra-processed foods. Now, I deal with lifelong health issues and grieve a childhood lost to hospital visits, shame, and exhaustion. I want a better future for others."
Joanne T.
Teenager diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes
Anxious teenager

Who is Justpoint?

We're on a mission to ensure safety and well-being for all. Our tech-powered law firm investigates potentially harmful substances that unknowingly make us sick, like medications and consumer products. Through collective action of those already harmed and by initiating legal action, we act to remove them from the market to prevent unnecessary harm from continuing.

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We're here to help protect your family from toxic exposures before they make headlines.

And if harm occurs — we help you take action. We deliver justice by helping you get the support and compensation to rebuild your life. In doing so, we protect health and work to prevent future exposure to harmful substances.

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