5 Simple Lifestyle Changes To Help Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes in North America is a significant and growing public health concern.

Here’s a look at the statistics and future expectations:

 Current Statistics:

• Prevalence: In 2021, 38.4 million Americans, or 11.6% of the population, had diabetes. This includes both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases. 
• Types:
  
  • Type 1 diabetes: 1.25 million Americans
  • Type 2 diabetes: 30.3 million Americans
  • Gestational diabetes: 140,000 pregnant women
• Prediabetes: 97 million Americans have prediabetes, a condition that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  

Disparities: In the USA, diabetes is more prevalent among racial minorities and financially disadvantaged populations. The diabetes prevalence is 7.4% in the non-Hispanic White population, 12.1% in the Non-Hispanic Black population, and 11.8% in the Hispanic population.

• Diabetes disproportionately affects specific minority populations in North America, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, and American Indians/Alaska Natives.

Here’s a breakdown of the disparities:

African Americans:

• Prevalence: African Americans have a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites.

  Why Black People Are at Higher Risk for Diabetes

  Black adults in the U.S. are 60% more likely than white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes. In 2018, non-Hispanic Black people were found to be twice as likely as non-Hispanic white people to die from diabetes.

  • • A study done by Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine found that biological risk factors for diabetes, such as body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose level, and blood pressure, accounted for most of the health disparities within Black communities.

• Risk Factors:
  
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Higher rates of obesity and hypertension
  • Socioeconomic factors, such as limited access to healthcare and healthy food options
• Complications: African Americans are more likely to experience severe diabetes complications, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and lower limb amputations.

Hispanic/Latino Americans:

• Prevalence: Hispanics/Latinos have a higher prevalence of diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites.
• Risk Factors:
  
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Higher rates of obesity and hypertension
  • Cultural and dietary factors
  • Limited access to healthcare and health education

American Indians/Alaska Natives:

• Prevalence: American Indians/Alaska Natives have the highest prevalence of diabetes among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
• Risk Factors:
  
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Higher rates of obesity and hypertension
  • Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and limited access to healthcare
  • Cultural factors, such as traditional diets that may be high in carbohydrates

Future Expectations:

• Continued Increase: The prevalence of diabetes is expected to continue to rise in North America.
• Aging Population: The aging population significantly contributes to the increase in diabetes cases.  
• Obesity Epidemic: The increasing rates of obesity will likely fuel the diabetes epidemic.
• Economic Burden: The cost of diabetes care is substantial and is expected to continue to increase. 

Addressing the Diabetes Epidemic:

• Prevention: Prevention efforts are crucial, including:
  
  • Promoting healthy lifestyles
  • Addressing obesity
  • Early detection and treatment of prediabetes
• Improved Treatment: Continued research and development of new therapies and technologies are needed.
• Education and Awareness: Public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness about diabetes and its risk factors.