Diabetes Epidemic Spurred by Obesity
When it comes to diabetes, an epidemic is on our hands. And it’s not likely to get better any time soon.
Consider these statistics:
- The incidence of type 2 diabetes has doubled in the past 30 years.
- Last year 11.3 percent of American adults – or about 26 million Americans – had diabetes.
If current trends continue, 15 percent of American adults – or more than 37 million Americans – will be living with diabetes by the end of 2015. It is estimated that the annual financial costs of the disease is well over $200 billion in this country alone.
Not surprisingly, the big culprit in the outbreak of type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases is obesity, which is also increasing in epidemic proportions throughout the United States. Obese Americans are nearly three times as likely as those who are not obese to have diabetes. More than one-fifth (21.2percent) of obese adults are diabetics, compared to only 7.4 percent of non-obese adults.
“Diabetes is a health risk to millions of Americans,” says Sanjit Bindra, M.D., of the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center. “Unfortunately, it is often taken less seriously because its early symptoms are not distressing.”
Individuals with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.
When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause your cells to be starved for energy and, over time, can lead to recurrent infections and ulcerations, nerve damage, gangrene (which often results in amputations), blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and stroke.
“It’s a potentially devastating disease,” says Dr. Bindra, “but there are ways to lower your risks, or even rid your body of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.” These include exercising, losing weight, and talking to your doctor about other options including medications.
“Everyone can benefit from good nutrition and exercise, but these factors are especially important if you are among those at risk for developing diabetes,” says Dr. Bindra.
Studies show that even a modest weight loss of 15 pounds coupled with an increase in physical activity can be successful in preventing diabetes.
Many sources also suggest a diet high in fiber and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
“While diabetes is a disease of epidemic proportions, it is a disease we can do something about,” says Dr. Bindra. “All of us can control our diet and increase our physical activity. And, if you do have diabetes, be sure to remain in regular contact with your health care professional for ongoing monitoring and treatment options.”
For more information about the Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center, or to make an appointment, call 216.529.5300.