This article is from the WebMD News Archive
Diabetes Could Surge in U.S. by 2050
CDC Projects Diabetes Rates Could Grow to 1 in 3 Americans
Reviewed by
Laura J. Martin, MD
Oct. 22, 2010 -- As many as one in three Americans could develop diabetes by 2050 unless a significant dent is made in the obesity epidemic, according to the latest CDC projections.
As it stands, one in 10 Americans has diabetes, but this could double -- or even triple -- by 2050 if current trends continue. These trends include the aging of the population, increasing rates of obesity, the fact that people with diabetes are living longer, and increases in the number of people belonging to minority groups at high risk for diabetes.
"The numbers are alarming," says Ann Albright, PhD, RD, director of the CDC's division of diabetes translation.
"We really need to focus more attention and effort on prevention.”
Part of the increase in diabetes prevalence is positive in nature, she says. "People are living longer, and we are identifying diabetes earlier in course of the diseases and improving outcomes for those that have the disease."
"The major negative is the new cases of type 2 diabetes, and that is why prevention is so important," she says.
"If we don't work on prevention, these gains will be undermined.” Obesity is a major risk for type 2 diabetes, and it plays an important role in the increasing rates of type 2 diabetes.
Forecasting Diabetes Trends
Researchers used data on diabetes prevalence and U.S. census data to develop models of diabetes prevalence over the next 40 years. They came up with several estimates based on which way current trends move. For example, if current trends continue or increase, diabetes prevalence will increase from 14% in 2010 to up to 33% of the population by 2050. If, however, there were a leveling off of the number of new cases of diabetes each year, the proportion of the population with diabetes will still increase from 14% to 21%, the study shows.
Put another way: The number of Americans who have diabetes will increase to one in three or one in five by 2050 based on how many people are diagnosed with diabetes and how long they live after this diagnosis.
Certain lifestyle interventions have been proven to work, including the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program that began earlier this year, she says. This program focuses on reducing body weight by 5% to 7% by emphasizing dietary changes and by gradually building up to 150 minutes of physical activity per week. The program also focuses on developing coping and behavioral strategies to help deal with issues that cause people to backslide.
“It can reduce the development of diabetes by close to 60%,” she says. "It doesn’t say 'OK, here is the diet, we hope you can follow it,’” Albright says. "We actually help identify what their own barriers are.”
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Is This Normal?
Get the Facts Fast!Answer:
Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia). |
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
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