Diabetes: A disease growing to epidemic proportion

“Diabetes is becoming something of epidemic proportions,” stated Lynn B. Nicholas, Chief Executive Officer of the American Diabetes Association (ADA). “The nation continues to reduce or find cures for so many diseases but the occurrence of diabetes is steadily rising.” According to the ADA, 18 million people in the United States have diabetes. Of those figured, five million don’t know they have the disease. Additionally, 41 million people have pre-diabetes, an abnormally high blood sugar that will develop into the disease within ten years, and are unaware of it. Statistics predict that one in three Americans born in 2000 will develop diabetes equating to over 30 million people in the United States having the disease. Diabetes itself can be a difficult and debilitating disease to live with, but left uncontrolled, it can develop into heart disease, stroke, kidney disorders, blindness and even lead to amputations of extremities. “Tennessee is among the 13 states with the highest rates of diabetes,” noted Nicholas “And the numbers have increased by 33 percent in ten years.” Nicholas, and the ADA, defines obesity and lifestyle as the two main factors contributing to the influx of diagnosis. Fast food, sedentary lifestyles, little or no exercise and poor eating habits eventually add up to the deterioration of the body. “It is disappointing to know that people often have a choice whether or not to take care of their bodies and they choose not to,” said Nicholas, eluding to the rising numbers of diabetes diagnosis. The cost of this disease is steadily rising as well. In 2002, $92 billion was spent nationally on direct medical costs for diabetics. One out of every ten dollars spent on medical services is designated for diabetics. This is evident with $210,544,326 being spent in diabetic health care for Knox County in 2002. The mission of the ADA is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by the disease. Being in existence for 65 years, their number one goal is research. Finding a cure, as well as a cause, through research will ultimately lead to prevention of the disease. Establishing an improved treatment plan for diabetics is another objective of the association. Money for the research projects is raised through fundraising events such as bike rides and sponsored walks. $43 million has been spent on extensive research in these areas thanks to the money raised. For more information on diabetes or the American Diabetic Association call 1-888-DIABETES or visit the website at www.diabetes.org.