According to the American Diabetes Association
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and many more are unaware they are at high risk. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others.
Type 2 diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population.
In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can lead to diabetes complications.
Diabetes is the 5th highest killer in the U.S. after heart disease, cancer, storke and respiratory illnesses. More than 70,000 Americans die of it each year according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
Antipsychotic Drugs and Diabetes
Older people with diabetes who begin taking antipsychotic medications could be at greater risk for elevated blood sugar levels.
Effective Drug for Diabetes Approved in 2010
Victoza® is an injectable prescription medicine that may improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes when used along with diet and exercise.
In addition to controlling blood sugars most patients with type 2 diabetes who take Victoza®
experience a loss of appetitive and have a tendency to lose a good deal of weight.
For more information Google Victoza or go to www.victoza.com/index.aspx
Diabetes Projections
In the next 25 years, the number of Americans with diabetes will double to over 44 million people and the cost of treatment will triple according to a report by the University of Chicago. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), 23.7 million Americans are living with diabetes.
The association’s Website www.diabetes.org/ indicates the most common risk factor is being overweight. Family history, high blood pressure and heart disease are also major contributing factors to the development of type 2 diabetes. The direct medical cost of treating Americans with diabetes will rise from $113 billion annually to $336 billion, according to the U of C report.
The diabetic population covered by Medicare alone is predicted to rise from 8.2 million to 14.6 million people, with annual treatment costs reaching $171 billion. Out of the 23.7 million Americans currently suffering from diabetes, 90% have type 2 diabetes. This makes it the most preventable of all major illnesses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control even “modest” weight loss will reduce the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise and improvement in diet, lowered the risk of Type 2 diabetes by 58%.
Diabetes results in other illness
According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes is the single leading cause of kidney failure. Many people suffering from diabetes also experience nerve and blood vessel damage.
For more information on diabetes go to www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/26/diabetes.projections/
Medical Disclaimer:
The information on these pages is not intended to substitute for the advice of a physician |