Diabetes is a disease that affects your body’s ability to regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels—there are various types of diabetes, which you can read more about in our Diabetes Overview; here we focus on type 2.
Type 2 diabetes typically develops later in life, which is why it was once referred to as adult-onset diabetes. However, it is becoming increasingly prevalent in younger and younger patients. It is thought to be caused by either insufficient insulin production (like type 1 diabetes) or by the body resisting the effects of insulin. Without proper treatment, patients with type 2 diabetes suffer the side effects of high blood sugar, like fatigue and increased hunger, thirst, and urination.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in 10 American adults have type 2 diabetes. For people 65 and older, the rate is one in four. An estimated seven million people with type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed. From 2008 to 2009, 22% of American children and teens were reported to have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a growing health concern in the United States. The American Diabetes Association reports that the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. increased by 128% from 1988 to 2008, and it is estimated that 1 in 3 Americans will have type 2 diabetes by 2050.
Here are some interesting facts about type 2 diabetes:
- 1 in 3 people with diabetes do not know that they have the disease
- Type 2 diabetes often has no symptoms
- People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease as those without diabetes
- Bariatric surgery can reduce symptom of diabetes in obese people
- If you are at risk, type 2 diabetes can be prevented with moderate weight loss of just 10–15 pounds—along with moderate physical activity like brisk walking each day
The American Diabetes Association released new research on March 6, 2013 estimating the total costs of diagnosed diabetes have risen to $245 billion in 2012 from $174 billion in 2007, when the cost was last examined—a 41% increase over a five year period. This just underscores the significant burden that diabetes as a whole is placing on our society—but can’t speak to the pain and suffering by those with the condition, the time and energy expended by caregivers who are not healthcare providers, and more. Being diagnosed with prediabetes is a chance to halt progression of the disease to type 2—talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to get the help you need so you can stay healthy and vital for the years to come!