According to a new study released on March 10th, 2016, nearly half of California adults — including 1 of every 3 young adults — are estimated to have undiagnosed diabetes or are pre-diabetic. The study, which was conducted by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, took eight months to complete.
“Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal — but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis. Up to 30 percent of those identified with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within five years, and as many as 70 percent will develop the disease in their lifetime.” – marinij.com
The researchers said the report provides the first analysis and breakdown of California prediabetes rates by county, age and ethnicity, and offers alarming insights into the future of the nation’s diabetes epidemic.
“This study is a wake-up call that says it’s time to make diabetes prevention a top state priority,” said Harold Goldstein, executive director of the California Center for Public Health Advocacy, the group that commissioned the report.
The latest study found that 46 percent of California adults — 13 million people — have prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes, while another 9 percent have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
“Since diabetes is more commonly seen among older adults, the study’s finding that 33 percent of adults ages 18 to 39 have prediabetes is of particular concern,” the authors said.
Of course, this has sparked public debates (again) about addressing the diabetes epidemic by imposing a tax on sugary beverages. In fact, just this week two legislators, both Democrats from California, have proposed a “health impact fee” of 2 cents per ounce on sugar-sweetened sodas and other drinks.
We can hardly blame only the sugary drinks for the diabetes epidemic we’re facing. There are too many factors involved. Ultimately, our health is our own responsibility. It’s not the government’s job, or anyone else’s job, to manage it for us. In this information driven era, there are far too many resources available for those who are interested in learning about healthier choices and diet changes.
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