Diabetes on the Rise: What Should America Do to Slow the Growth?
Oct. 22, 2010— -- A new government report underscores the epidemic of diabetes in America.
The number of Americans with diabetes could triple by 2050, according to the Centers for Disease Control. One in 10 U.S. adults has the disease now but could grow to 1 in 3 in the next 40 years.
The growth is happening "... because the population is getting older, because the population ingeneral is obese and because the demographics of the population, the racial makeup is changing, the rate of diabetes is going to go up dramatically," ABC News' Dr. Richard Besser said.
Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for about $170 billion in health care costs. The disease presents serious threats to health during a lifetime, including increased risk of heart attack, kidney failure, blindness and many other complications.
The CDC is pointing to the report to encourage a greater focus on prevention. Our question to you today: What should America do to slow the growth of diabetes?
