Type 2 Diabetes Surges By 20% In Just 10 Years
A recent study highlights a nearly 20% increase in Type 2 diabetes cases in the U.S. from 2012 to 2022, attributing this rise to factors such as age, race, income, obesity, and physical inactivity. Lead researcher Sulakshan Neupane, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, notes that the prevalence of diabetes is growing rapidly and is expected to continue rising in the future.
The financial burden of diabetes is substantial, with an estimated $412 billion in costs encompassing both medical expenses and indirect losses such as reduced productivity. The study underscores that these costs are likely to increase as more individuals are diagnosed.
Age is a significant risk factor, with older adults being considerably more susceptible to Type 2 diabetes. Seniors aged 65 and older are over ten times more likely to develop diabetes compared to individuals aged 18 to 24. Middle-aged adults, aged 45 to 64, are more than five times as likely to receive a diabetes diagnosis.
Socioeconomic factors also influence diabetes risk. Individuals with higher incomes and those with a college education are less likely to develop the disease, with a 41% and 24% lower likelihood, respectively. Among racial and ethnic groups, Black individuals have the highest incidence, with nearly 16% diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Geographically, the South and Midwest regions have seen the most significant increases in diabetes cases. States such as Arkansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska report some of the highest rises. Overall, ten states experienced increases of 25% or more, highlighting a need for targeted public health interventions in these areas.
The study, based on data from a national health survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also found that overweight and obese individuals are at higher risk. In 2022, about 20% of obese individuals and 10% of overweight individuals had Type 2 diabetes. Conversely, regular physical activity appears to reduce diabetes risk; around 10% of physically active individuals reported having the disease, compared to nearly 19% among inactive people.
Published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing modifiable risk factors such as physical activity and diet. Neupane advises that while some risk factors like age and race are beyond control, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and weight management, can help lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
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