Diabetes: A Leading Cause of Death in America

In the last 15 years, the number of people in the United States with diagnosed diabetes has more than doubled, reaching 14.6 million in 2005. Although more than 20.8 million Americans have diabetes, 6.2 million do not know they have the disease.

People with diabetes have a shortage of insulin or a decreased ability to use insulin, a hormone that allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be converted to energy. When diabetes is not controlled, glucose and fats remain in the blood and, over time, damage vital organs. Diabetes can cause heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, pregnancy complications, lower-extremity amputations, and deaths related to flu and pneumonia. Heart disease is the leading cause of diabetes related deaths, and death rates are about 2–4 times higher for adults with diabetes than for those without the disease. There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 most often appears during childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity and physical inactivity, accounts for 90%–95% of diabetes cases and most often appears in people older than 40. However, it is now being found in younger people and is even being diagnosed among children and teens.

Diabetes has its greatest effects on older adults, women, and certain racial and ethnic groups. One in five adults over age 65 has diabetes. African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native adults are twice as likely as white adults to have diabetes.

* In addition to the millions of Americans with diabetes, an estimated 41 million U.S. adults aged 40–74 years have prediabetes—that is, their blood sugar level is elevated but is not high enough to be classified as diabetes. People with prediabetes are at high risk for developing diabetes.

  

Diabetes Index
Diabetes
◦ What are the scope and impact of diabetes
◦ Types of Diabetes
◦ Diabetes - A Leading Cause of Death in America
◦ The Reality
◦ Who gets diabetes
◦ Keep Your Diabetes Under Control
◦ Low Blood Glucose
◦ Eating and Diabetes
◦ Gestational Diabetes
◦ Type 1 Diabetes
◦ Points to Remember
◦ How are diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed
◦ What is pre-diabetes
◦ What does having pre-diabetes mean
◦ Should I be tested for diabetes
◦ Preventing Diabetes Complications
◦ Diabetes Is Preventable and Controllable
Diabetes Type 2
◦ What is type 2 diabetes
◦ Type 2 Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
◦ Type 2 Diabetes
◦ What factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes
◦ What other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes
◦ What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes
◦ Can type 2 diabetes be prevented
Tips
◦ When You’re Sick
◦ Alcoholic Drinks
◦ Fat and Sweets
◦ What are healthy ways to eat meat or meat substitutes
◦ Milk
◦ Fruits
◦ Vegetables
◦ Starches
◦ Your Physical Activity Plan
◦ Be Physically Active Every Day
◦ Make Wise Food Choices Most of the Time
◦ Making Changes to Lower My Risk
◦ How can I reduce my risk
Medicine
◦ Do I need to take diabetes medicine?
◦ How is diabetes managed
◦ Random Plasma Glucose Test
◦ Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
◦ Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
◦ Take Your Prescribed Medications
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The information contained within this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any illness.
You are advised to seek professional medical advice when considering any form of alternative medicine or diet.