Number of Americans With Diabetes Has Increased by 15 Percent Over Last 2 Years

Scott Kappes

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Over the last decade the number of Americans affected by diabetes has drastically increased. According to a new report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about 24 million Americans, or 8 percent of the population is currently plagued by the disease. This a 15 percent increase from the numbers posted by the group just two years ago, representing over 3 million additional cases during that time.

The numbers are truly staggering, and the fact that the likelihood of developing diabetes increases with age makes it frightening to think of how many more will be affected over the next decade as the population of baby boomers enter a higher risk bracket for diabetes.

The new figures did bring with them one piece of good news.

The percentage of diabetics unaware they have the disease fell to 25% from 30% during the period, the CDC said. Awareness is key because good management can reduce diabetes-related risks such as heart attacks and strokes.

With controversy over diabetes medications swirling and no cure in sight we can only hope for the best.