CDC: Diabetes Is On the Rise
According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, up from the previous estimate of 26 million in 2010. Another 86 million adults - more than one in three U.S. adults - have pre-diabetes. The new report reinforces the need for coverage of effective nutrition services provided by registered dietitian nutritionists and dietetic technicians, registered to prevent, manage and treat diabetes.
These are just a few statistics from CDC's latest report on the impact of diabetes in America. The report says millions of Americans are suffering from pre-diabetes and diabetes, many of whom don't know it. One in four who has diabetes is not aware he or she has it.
Also highlighted in the report is the economic impact of the diabetes epidemic. In 2012, diabetes and its related complications cost the nation $245 billion in total medical costs and lost work and wages.
Whenever you have the opportunity, please communicate with your legislators regarding the impact of diabetes. Regarding legislation such as the Preventing Diabetes in Medicare Act and the National Diabetes Clinical Care Act.
http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0610-diabetes-report.html