Diabetes Is The Most Common Form Of Diabetes - 1716 Words

Diabetes in the United States Introduction Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes which affects 90% to 95% of the population. In the United States, approximately 1.7 million new cases of diabetes were identified in 2012 and the disease affects 29 million Americans, or 9.3 percent of the population (Statistics About Diabetes, 2014). In 2012, the total financial burden of diabetes was estimated to be $245 billion which included $176 billion in direct medical costs and $69 billion in reduced productivity (American Diabetes Association, 2013). Those who have type 2 diabetes are unable to control insulin levels resulting in a condition called insulin resistance. In the first stages of the disease your body attempts to†¦show more content†¦Additionally, obesity rates are also rising among children and adolescents, especially those who are Hispanic. In the early 1990s, for example, 23 percent of white girls aged six to 11 were overweight as compared to 29 percent of Mexican-American girls. Poor compliance with exercise and a Western diet that is high in fat and sugars, but low in fiber is an obvious factor contributing to obesity and the high rates of diabetes among the population (Statistics, 1999). Another risk factor contributing to the high prevalence of diabetes is socioeconomic disparity. In general, racial minorities are disproportionately poor, undereducated and lack health insurance. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the poor and undereducated die younger and suffer more health problems than people with greater wealth status and education. The poor typically live in substandard housing or in low-income neighborhoods with plentiful fast-food restaurants, but few grocery stores that carry healthy foods, resulting in higher rates of obesity. In urban neighborhoods, a lack of sidewalks and crime-free parks also may discourage the daily physical activity needed for a healthy lifestyle. Because of this inequity non-whites live an average of five fewer years than whites, and diabetes is a major contributor to that statistic. Disparities in