Diabetes Rates on Track to Triple

The number of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes is on track to double or triple by 2050, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That’s one in three adults.

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Researchers attribute the rapid increase in diabetes to the fact that more people are being diagnosed with diabetes earlier in life. This allows them to better control it through diet and medication adjustments, and thus, living longer. The report was published in the journal Population Health Metrics.

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Diabetes ranks as the No. 1 cause of adult blindness, kidney failure and limb amputations, not to mention its affect on stroke, heart attacks, certain kinds of cancer, dementia and lung disease. The CDC estimates the current cost of diabetes at $174 billion annually. That could double over the next 20 years, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Here is information from the National Institute of Health on diabetes management.

Things to Do Every Day for Good Diabetes Care

  1. Follow the healthy eating plan that you and your doctor or dietitian have worked out.
  2. Be active a total of 30 minutes most days. Ask your doctor what activities are best for you.
  3. Take your medicines as directed.
  4. Check your blood glucose every day. Each time you check your blood glucose, write the number inξa record book.
  5. Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, sores, swelling, redness, or sore toenails.
  6. Brush and floss your teeth every day.
  7. Control your blood pressure and cholesterol.
  8. Donäó»t smoke.

Things for Your Health Care Provider to Look at Every Time You Have a Checkup

  1. Show your blood glucose records to your health care provider.
  2. Tell your health care provider if you often have low blood glucose or high blood glucose.
  3. Talk with your health care provider about how much you should weigh.
  4. Talk about ways to reach your goal that will work for you.
  5. The goal for most people with diabetes is less than 130/80. Ask your health care provider about ways to reach your goal.
  6. Talk with your health care provider about any problems you have had with your medicines.
  7. Ask your health care provider to check your feet for problems.
  8. Talk with your health care provider about what you do to stay active.
  9. Talk about what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat.
  10. Ask your health care provider about ways to handle stress.
  11. If you smoke, talk with your health care provider about how you can quit.

Things for You or Your Health Care Provider to Do at Least Once or Twice a Year
  1. Have an A1C blood test at least twice a year. Your result will tell you what your average blood glucose level was for the past 2 to 3 months.
  2. Get a blood test to check your total cholesteroläóîaim for below 200; LDLäóîaim for below 100; HDLäóîmen: aim for above 40; women: aim for above 50; triglyceridesäóîaim for below 150.
  3. Once a year, get a urine test to check for protein. At least once a year, get a blood test to check for creatinine. The results will tell you how well your kidneys are working.
  4. See an eye care professional once a year for a complete eye exam.
  5. See your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.
  6. Ask your health care provider to check your feet to make sure your foot nerves and your blood circulation are OK.
  7. Get a flu shot each year.
  8. Get a pneumonia vaccine if youäó»re over 64 and your shot was more than 5 years ago.