The Facts and Stats On Diabetes

For the year 2007, Diabetes was the 6th leading cause of death in the United states, and approximately 20 million people were affected. It is more prevalent in men (10.5%) than women (8.8%). Over $214 Billion total dollars is spent per year due to medical care costs, time lost from work, disability, and death. About 9% of people age 20 and over have diabetes.

Who is at risk and what are the Risk Factors?

According to statistics, All ethnic groups; African Americans, Native Americans and Alaska Natives, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are at greater risk for diabetes than are Caucasians. The main risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes for all groups are obesity and sedentary lifestyle.

The Race Factor:

All racial groups, specifically African Americans, Native Americans and Alaska Natives, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders, most likely share a particular gene that drifted down from ancestors through the generations. It was this gene that enabled them to live through the lean and fat cycles. Since these cycles no longer exist it leaves these nations of peoples more likely to develop diabetes.

African Americans: More likely to suffer from complications, such as amputation of the lower extremities and kidney failure. Due to the high rate of high blood pressure in the African American population, they are more susceptible to damage to the blood vessels in the retina, or diabetic retinopathy. Obesity is the main risk factor for African Americans especially African American women.

Hispanic Americans: Their major risk factor is obesity and sedentary lifestyle. In addition to this, there is a higher rate of diabetic retinopathy and kidney disease, but lower incidence of heart disease than Caucasians. Hispanics are 2 times more likely to develop diabetes than Caucasians.

Native Americans and Alaskans: The main risk factor for this population is obesity. Diabetes is reported to be on the rise in the children and adolescents of this group.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: Diabetes is the 5th leading cause of death, and they experience more risk for development of diabetes than Caucasians.

More Facts To Consider:

Diabetes Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes and is due to the body's resistance to insulin.

Not all people are subject to the development of diabetes. In Type 2 there is a genetic component, such as a genetic mutation that must be present for diabetes to occur.

Being overweight is the biggest risk factor, but you can be of normal weight and have diabetes.

Not only is Type 2 a disease of adults, children can develop it as well. It is called Juvenile Onset diabetes.

In Type 2 there is an adequate amount of insulin being produced, but the body is resistant to it and does not use it as intended. In some cases of Type 2, there is not enough insulin being produced at all.

Most times, diabetes can be successfully managed through diet, exercise, and oral meds. In other cases, insulin needs to be injected using an insulin pen, pump, or syringe.

Diabetes is a chronic disease. There is no cure but can be managed with the proper care. The person diagnosed with diabetes will need to make lifestyle changes to last the rest of their lives to avoid complications and slow disease progression. There is no reason why one can't live a full and productive life to the fullest with the right combination of lifestyle changes, diet, exercise, and medication management.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT