The prevalence of diabetes over the past decade has made news, but until now it’s been a disease that affects the minority. However, recent research shows that this affliction is about to tip the scales in more than one way.
Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a recent study looked at the prevalence of diabetes in adult Americans. Almost anyone could guess that the number of diagnoses is increasing, but the results surprised even the medical professionals, who are calling this a huge wake-up call.
The study involved evaluating 5,000 adults from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The results show that just about 50 percent of adults are either diabetic, or pre-diabetic. Diabetic is described as having a fasting blood sugar level of over 126 mg/dl and pre-diabetic falls between 100 and 125 mg/dl.
In addition, it was discovered that certain groups are more prone to have this health problem go undetected. Fifty percent of Hispanics and Asian-Americans with diabetes are unaware of the situation, pointing that these populations need more encouragement to take advantage of medical care. Whether it is unavailable or under-used will need further research.
But while these groups may be unaware of the problem, that doesn’t mean they are the only ones dealing with the issue. Researchers reported that “Diabetes prevalence significantly increased over time in every age group, in both sexes, in every racial and ethnic group, by all education levels, and in all poverty income groups.”
One of the biggest factors in predicting diabetes is Body Mass Index (BMI). In all groups except for Asian-Americans, the number of diabetes diagnoses increased in people with a BMI of over 30, which classifies them as obese. Asian-Americans need to be especially vigilant, because they saw an increase in diabetes when BMI was over 25.
While the fact that 1 out of every 2 American adults is diabetic or pre-diabetic is shocking, don’t let it stop there. In most cases, especially Type 2 diabetes, this is a completely preventable diagnosis. This disease, which often results in increased infections, and damage to internal organs takes the lives of 71,000 people each year. But you can take steps to make sure you aren’t one of them.
At Lake Pointe Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we want to see our clients achieve overall wellness by using a holistic approach. In addition to chiropractic services, we offer nutritional counseling, massage therapy, and acupuncture. We also have a HCG weight loss program, which incorporates the use of HCG into a low-fat diet which typically results in rapid, yet safe, weight loss.
If this trend continues, there will be more adults in America with diabetes than those without. Take steps now to make sure you don’t fall into the group that struggles with this disease on a daily basis. For more help on making life-changing healthy decisions, contact us.
