The classic '90s sitcom "Boy Meets World" traces the follies and confusions of middle schooler Corey Matthews (Ben Savage) as he grows from an awkward kid into a teenager and finally a married man.

Many kids today deal with the same challenges that Corey did, but they also have to contend with prediabetes. That makes them vulnerable to early-onset diabetes and all its complications, including heart disease, kidney problems, and more.

According to a new study in JAMA Pediatrics, the number of kids ages 12 to 19 who have prediabetes has increased from 11.6% in 1999-2002 to 28.2% in 2015-2018.

What accounts for this disturbing trend? For one thing, there's the increasing availability of blood sugar-raising fast and processed foods that contain added sugars, syrups, and "stripped" carbs.

In 1999, only about 18% of kids in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were obese. Today, it's 40%. And more than twice the number of kids ages 12 to 19 now experience food insecurity. That means their nutrition is far from optimal.

We also know that only about 25% of teens get the minimum recommended daily physical activity of at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity every day.

The good news is that prediabetes is reversible. Have your child's glucose level checked; if it's elevated or your child is overweight, ask your doctor for help finding an appropriate weight-management and exercise program.

Make it a family mission to aim for better health now.