Poor Diet in High School Raises Risk of Diabetes Poor diet in high school raises later risk of diabetes High school students who followed a Western-style diet high in desserts, processed meats and refined grains had a 29% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later years, partly due to weight gain, according to a study in Diabetes Care. Researchers said the findings underscore the importance of adopting healthy dietary habits in adolescence to prevent the onset of diabetes in adulthood Nutritionists advise getting rid of processed foods and moving towards whole grains, dense vegetables and lean meats School cafeterias are slowly changing to healthier choices but to ensure unhealthy lunch, pack one!