Diabetes Statistics Show Startling Trends
Diabetes
is being referred to as an epidemic, and when you review diabetes
statistics, it’s easy to understand why. In 1990, less than
5 percent of the U.S. population had diabetes, and now that figure
is up to 7 percent, an increase of 40 percent. Unfortunately, other
diabetes statistics paint an even bleaker picture.
It is estimated
that there are almost 21 million people in the United States with
diabetes, and more than 6 million of those are undiagnosed, probably
because the signs of diabetes
are often gradual, making them difficult to recognize. Here are
some further U.S. diabetes statistics which show startling trends:
- Over the age of 20, 9.6 percent
have diabetes.
- Over the age of 60, 20.9 percent
have diabetes.
- 10.5 percent of men over 20
have diabetes.
- 8.8 percent of women over
20 have diabetes.
- Diabetes is the fifth deadliest
disease in the United States.
- People with diabetes have
a 2 to 4 times higher risk of stroke.
- Diabetes accounts for 44 percent
of kidney failures and is the leading cause of kidney failure.
- In 2002, the direct and indirect
cost of diabetes in the United States was $132 billion.
If present
diabetes statistics continue, one-third of Americans, including
one-half of minorities in America, born in the year 2000 will develop
diabetes at some point in their lifetime. Considering these diabetes
statistics, anyone who has symptoms and/or risk factors for diabetes
should consider diabetes testing
as soon as possible. In more than half the cases, type 2 diabetes
can be prevented or delayed by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
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