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Shocking Data Reveals Health Crisis U.S. Adults

Nearly 16% of American adults, or around 1 in 6, now live with diabetes, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diabetes occurs when the body cannot use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. This can result in severe health complications and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 95% of all cases, is particularly linked to excessive weight gain.

The data, gathered from mid-2021 to mid-2023, reveals a noticeable increase in the prevalence of diabetes since the late 1990s when the rate was 9.7%. One of the most significant findings from the report is the gender gap in diabetes rates. Nearly 18% of men have diabetes, compared to 13.7% of women. Diabetes rates also rise with age—just 3.6% of adults under 40 have the disease, but that figure climbs to over 20% for adults aged 60 and older.

Obesity is another key factor contributing to the rise in diabetes. Among obese adults, 24.2% have diabetes, compared to just 12.3% of those who are overweight but not obese. Those with a normal weight have a significantly lower rate, at 6.8%. Additionally, the report notes that educational level is linked to diabetes rates, with 19.6% of those with only a high school education diagnosed with the condition, versus just 10.7% of college-educated individuals.

The CDC report, published on November 6, also highlights an important concern: many individuals with diabetes are unaware of their condition. About 4.5% of American adults have diabetes but do not know it, which can be dangerous as untreated diabetes can lead to long-term damage to the nervous system, kidneys, eyes, heart, and blood vessels.

Overall, the data points to an increasing trend in diabetes cases in the U.S., driven largely by factors such as age, obesity, and education level. Addressing these issues through healthier lifestyles, better education, and increased awareness could help reduce the burden of the disease in the future.