CDC: Diabetes on the rise among Americans

CDC: Diabetes on the rise among Americans

About 21 million Americans--almost 7% of the population--have diabetes, and most diabetics have the type 2 variety, which is associated with poor eating habits, being overweight, and getting too little exercise, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of these 21 million diabetics, about 6 million do not know they have the condition, according to a report from Reuters. An additional 41 million people are believed to have prediabetes, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and about 21% of Americans aged 60 years or older have diabetes, according to the report. Last month, the federally run National Diabetes Education Program added a community action kit and brochure to help older adults manage their diabetes, according to the group's Web site:

http://www.ndep.nih.gov/campaigns/Power/Power_index.htm