Health
More Americans at risk for diabetes
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 17, 2004
A new estimate of a condition defined as "pre-diabetes" places about 40% of U.S. adults ages 40 to 74 -- or 41 million people -- at heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. That estimate was announced by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson on April 29 and is based on a revised definition of pre-diabetes released last fall by the American Diabetes Assn.
Previous criteria put estimates of those with pre-diabetes at some 20.1 million Americans in that age group. The condition, marked by blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet diabetic, places people at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 years.
Thompson announced the new estimate at HHS' second annual Steps to a HealthierUS Summit in Baltimore, where he espoused lifestyle changes to achieve better health. Those changes include losing weight, becoming physically active and eating a healthy diet to help keep diabetes and other serious health problems at bay.
Plans were also announced through the HHS National Diabetes Education Program to produce education materials tailored to African-Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders and all adults ages 60 and older.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/05/17/hlbf0517.htm.
