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CDC: Diagnosed diabetes rate increasing nationwide
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Between 1995 and 2010, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes increased by 100% or more in 18 states across the nation. Additionally, 42 states saw increases of 50% or more, and all US states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico reported increases during that time, according to a study from the CDC.
States with the largest increases include Oklahoma (226%), Kentucky (158%), Georgia (145%), Alabama (140%) and Washington (135%), according to a press release.
“Regionally, we saw the largest increase in diagnosed diabetes prevalence in the South, followed by the West, Midwest and Northeast,” Linda Geiss, a statistician with CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation and report author, said in the release. “These data also reinforce findings from previous studies, which indicate that the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is highest in the southern and Appalachian states.”
Researchers used data from the annual telephone survey of health behaviors and conditions of US adults aged 18 and older, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. According to their data, diagnosed diabetes prevalence was 10% or more in six states and Puerto Rico in 2010.
“In 1995 only three states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico had a diagnosed diabetes prevalence of 6% or more. By 2010, all 50 states had a prevalence of more than 6%,” Ann Albright, PhD, RD, director of CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation, said in the press release. “These rates will continue to increase until effective interventions and policies are implemented to prevent both diabetes and obesity.”
For more information:
Geiss LS. MMWR. 2012;61:918-921.