Kelly Emrick MBA, Ph.D.

www.kellyemrick.com

So, you thought COVID was bad, buckle up. Let’s discuss some facts based on peer-reviewed studies. In the United States, obesity contributes to an estimated 300,000 deaths annually, making it one of the most significant causes of mortality related to lifestyle factors, thanks to over consumption of sugars, ultra-processed food, bad fats, lack of exercise, and access to healthy food options. An estimated 38.4 million Americans are living with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number includes 29.7 million diagnosed cases and 8.7 million undiagnosed cases, which means that 11.6% of the U.S. population is managing this chronic disease.

Even more concerning is that 22.8% of adults who have diabetes are unaware of their condition, meeting laboratory criteria but remaining undiagnosed or not reporting their disease. In addition to those diagnosed with diabetes, an estimated 97.6 million adults, or 38% of the U.S. adult population, are living with prediabetes. This condition, characterized by blood sugar levels higher than normal but not yet reaching the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis, significantly raises the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The widespread nature of prediabetes emphasizes the need for early intervention and prevention strategies to mitigate future health complications. Diabetes rates have seen a sharp rise over the past two decades. In the early 2000s, 10.3% of U.S. adults had diabetes. From 2017 to 2020, this number had grown to 13.2%. This trend demonstrates the expanding public health challenge of diabetes and highlights the urgent need for improved prevention, management, and public awareness efforts.

Without effective intervention, these rates are likely to continue increasing, further straining healthcare resources and affecting the quality of life for millions of Americans. The diabetes epidemic in the U.S. is a complex and growing issue that demands immediate and comprehensive solutions. To address the rising rates and prevent further escalation, a multifaceted approach is necessary, including:

• Enhanced Screening: Identifying undiagnosed cases, especially in high-risk populations, is crucial to starting early treatment and management.
• Public Education: Increasing awareness about diabetes prevention and management, particularly in communities at higher risk, is key to reducing the incidence of the disease.
• Improved Access to Healthcare: Ensuring that healthcare services, including diabetes screening and management, are affordable and accessible to all communities will help address disparities in diagnosis and treatment.
• Lifestyle Interventions: Encouraging healthier diets, regular physical activity, and weight management can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and manage existing cases.

By focusing on these strategies, we can begin to curb the progression of diabetes in the U.S. and improve the health outcomes of millions of Americans.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/methods.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html