The United States is experiencing a rather shocking increase in diabetes, particularly in the past ten years.
Most of this is apparently due to our weight. 90% of these increases are for Type 2 diabetes and clearly connected to obesity and weight gain.
Our Southern states are generally our heaviest states and it's no coincidence that more diabetes is being seen there.
West Virginia has the dubious distinction of having the highest rate, with Minnesota coming in with the lowest.
Nearly 24 million Americans now have diabetes and experts believe that about 25% of these people do not know they have it. Health care professionals blame these undiagnosed cases on a lack of education regarding this condition, and poor access to health care.
Who is considered to be most at risk? Older people, overweight people, black and Hispanic people. But no-one is immune!
For more information and support for diabetes, check out the American Diabetes Association here:
The American Diabetes Association has provided some of the signs that you may have diabetes (symptoms are fairly similar for both types). Here is what you may be experiencing -
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Increased fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision
Tell Us
Do you (or someone you know)have type 1 or 2 diabetes? Do you suspect you may have?