According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of adults between the ages of 18 and 79 with new diabetes diagnoses rose between 1980 and 2014 from 493,000 to more than 1.4 million overall. The number of new cases especially spiked from 1991 to 2009. However, there was a gradual decline in cases after 2009. With the number of new cases continuing to decline, experts are hopeful that the downward trend will continue. Although the statistical data was not significant enough in numbers or time frames to start claiming a big victory, the observed trends were enough to see that changes were definitely happening. Experts do not know whether the changes were due to prevention campaigns or a disease peak in the population. Evidence exists that shows a current improvement in Americans’ eating habits. This comes after decades of consuming boxed foods, empty carbs and high-sugar foods that were promoted. For example, the amount of soda consumed by Americans has decreased by about 25 percent since the end of the 1990s. Daily caloric intake has also decreased for adults and children.
In addition to the decreasing rates of consumption of unhealthy foods, the rate of reported exercise frequency of adults has risen. Obesity rates have also stopped increasing. However, experts pointed out that the percentage of Americans who have diabetes is still a major concern. It is at least double what it was in the early 1990s. Current research shows that educated adults are less likely to have diabetes. The rates among educated adults in studies were decreasing, and the rates among adults who were less educated were consistent but not declining.
According to their research, experts said that new cases of diabetes were decreasing among whites. The rates among Hispanic and African American groups remained mostly unchanged but with a slight downward trend. However, they said that it is not yet time for Americans to be celebrating. Diabetes still affects about 10 percent of American adults and is the country’s main cause of kidney dialysis, limb amputations and blindness.
One of the most positive identifiable changes is that Americans are learning how to stay healthy. They seem to have a better understanding about how dangerous a sedentary lifestyle is, and they know how important it is to consume healthier foods in addition to exercising.
There are many ways to make simple changes. For most people, the changes must be gradual to become long-lasting habits. Cutting the number of sodas consumed each week until it is down to one or two is a start. Switching steamed brown rice for french fries or potatoes is another example. Choosing a lean fish filet over a fried fish sandwich or a burger is another healthy choice.
Exercising for five days each week instead of only two days per week is a major improvement. There are several ways to boost overall health and reduce the risks for developing diabetes. Healthier Americans also tend to pay less for health insurance and out-of-pocket healthcare costs. To learn more about diabetes and ways to stay healthy, contact a UBF consultant.
Alan Wang is the President of UBF and serves as the lead consultant. He has delivered the UBF solution set throughout the world and is highly regarded for his areas of expertise. You can follow him on Twitter @UBFconsulting.