Diabetes affects 10 million Americans
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The incidence of diabetes has reached a record level in the United States, affecting more than 10 million people - a six-fold rise since 1958. An estimated 6 million more may be affected without yet knowing it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the national agencies responsible for collecting medical data, attribute the rise to an increase in obesity, and the fact that people are living longer.
"We are becoming a more overweight population," said Dr Frank Vinicor, head of the CDC's diabetes division. "We are less active and we are also getting somewhat older. If you put all these factors together, we are seeing a chronic disease epidemic occurring."
Some experts believe that the increased consumption of soft drinks and low-fat foods, both of which have a high sugar content, are contributing factors.
- Mary Dejevsky, Washington
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments