Health Articles - Rising diabetes rates spare no race, age, gender, or state

Although it may come as no surprise to those who have been keeping
tabs on the health of the nation, the prevalence ofdiagnosed diabetes
in the U.S. has risen steadily and universally from 1995 to 2010. In
the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for November 16th, the CDC
announced that no demographic (or geographic) category of people has
been safe from the sharp increase in diagnosed Type 2 diabetes.
With the alarming statistics in hand, the CDC has encouraged states,
healthcare providers, and individuals to intensify their commitment to
diabetes prevention, screening, diagnosis, and surveillance. Nearly 19
million Americans are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and an estimated
seven million more are living with it undiagnosed.
Every single state - including the District of Columbia and Puerto
Rico- has seen a sharp increase in diabetes ratessince 1995. In many
areas, the prevalence of diabetes has surpassed 10 percent. With
rising rates of obesity and physical inactivity, these numbers are
expected to continue to climb. Furthermore, every single age group,
race and ethnicity, and both genders have seen a sharp increase in
diabetes prevalence. It seems no group has escaped the wrath of
diabetes.
How to stem the tide of diabetes diagnoses? The primary causes of Type
2 diabetes are related to lifestyle choices: lack of exercise, poor
diet, and excess body weight (especially around the midsection). Other
risk factors include having had gestational diabetes, a family history
of diabetes, and poorly controlled blood pressure or blood
triglycerides. Unfortunately, there is novaccine for Type 2 diabetes.
The preventative solutionis simple enough, but notthe type of solution
people like to hear; it takes hard and consistentwork, in the form of
a healthy diet and regular exercise. Maintaining a healthy body weight
(and BMI under 25) is oneof the surest ways to prevent a diagnosis of
Type 2 diabetes .
As usual, speaking (or writing) the solution is not as easy as making
it happen. Not only does it take personal action, it also requires a
better population-wide understanding of diabetes prevention and a
full-fledged commitment to health . Dessert foods, a lack of nutrition
education, and the modern conveniences associated with transportation
and dining options offer littleopportunity and incentive for
individuals to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Personal responsibility for health and a society that places value on
physical activity, wholesome food, and a balanced lifestyle can help
change the direction of the diabetes trend. Awareness and activism can
help make inroads; the CDC's call to action will not fall on deaf
ears. Let's get started!