A recent study from the University of Georgia highlights a nearly 20% rise in type 2 diabetes rates in the United States between 2012 and 2022, with Black individuals facing the most considerable impact. The research found that nearly 16% of Black participants reported having diabetes, significantly higher than other racial groups.
The risk of diagnosis escalates with age, as individuals aged 65 and older are more than ten times as likely to be diagnosed compared to those aged 18 to 24. Additionally, individuals aged 45 to 64 have about five times the likelihood of being diagnosed as their younger counterparts.
Socioeconomic factors also play a critical role, with lower-income groups showing a notably higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. The study revealed that the South and Midwest regions of the United States experienced the largest increases in diabetes rates, particularly states like Arkansas, Kentucky, and Nebraska.
Researchers identified several key risk factors, including obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and high blood pressure. The study emphasizes the urgent need for lifestyle modifications, highlighting that physically active individuals reported a diabetes prevalence of less than 10%, while inactive individuals faced rates closer to 19%.
Lead author Sulakshan Neupane points out that while some risk factors, like age and race, are immutable, adopting a healthier lifestyle can significantly reduce diabetes risk. As diabetes costs approach $412 billion, addressing these health disparities remains crucial.
See “Type 2 Diabetes Increased Significantly Over Last Decade” (August 20, 2024)
