11 Million Americans Unaware They Have Diabetes, CDC Estimates
The CDC estimates 11 million people live with undiagnosed diabetes, with North Carolina cited as a hotspot for high rates and limited access to care.
By Jisoo Kim ·
Diabetes ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and stands as the primary cause of kidney disease.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 11 million Americans currently live with the condition without knowing it.
Approximately 40 million people in the nation are managing the disease, which can lead to coronary artery disease, heart attacks, nerve damage, and amputations.
Dr. Adam Spitz, an endocrinologist at Novant Health, noted that North Carolina falls within a region often referred to as the diabetes belt where prevalence rates are elevated.
Spitz reported that about one million residents in North Carolina have a diagnosis, while an additional 250,000 remain undiagnosed.
Spitz stated that this lack of awareness allows complications to develop silently, including heart disease, advanced kidney disease, and eye disease.
The American Diabetes Association identifies Type 2 diabetes as the leading cause of amputation in the United States.
Andrew Tucker, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 35, described managing the condition as a constant daily effort.
Tucker weighed approximately 250 pounds at the time of his diagnosis while attending graduate school and working long hours.
He attributed the development of the disease partly to genetics, noting that both his father and grandfather had diabetes.
Tucker said he lost more than 30 pounds through dietary changes and exercise, but the condition persisted.
He now uses a continuous glucose monitor to track his blood sugar levels in real time and recently received news from his doctor that his average sugar level had improved to 129 mg/dL from a previous visit record, a figure the doctor cited as an improvement over prior readings. Note: The source says "Your average sugar is 129, which is also improved from our last time". I will stick to the quote or paraphrase the number. Let's paraphrase the number as the source states it is 129 and improved. Actually, the source says "Your average sugar is 129.. improved". I will use the number 129 as stated in the quote within the text. Wait, the source text says "129" in the quote. I will use that number. The previous value is not given, only that it improved. So: His recent doctor's visit revealed his average sugar level was 129, an improvement from his last measurement, according to a recording Tucker made of the appointment.
Source: WWSB
