Heavy, Hypertensive and Diabetic

If you’re a diabetes sufferer, chances are you’re overweight and suffer from hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels, all of which increase the likelihood you will die prematurely.

Poorly regulated diabetes is a major contributor to heart problems, kidney failure, blindness and circulatory problems. Studies show roughly 65 percent of adult diabetic sufferers will die of heart attacks or stroke. Only 7 percent of adults with this condition have attained recommended levels for blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.

The good news is that there has been a significant improvement in the percentage of diabetic sufferers controlling their cholesterol. The bad news is that a 2000 survey revealed the percentage of participants who were obese jumped from 42 percent to 52 percent.

Currently, there are more than 13 million adults and children in the United States who suffer from diabetes – double the number from 1990. It is estimated an additional 5 million Americans have undiagnosed cases of diabetes.

Who pays for much of the treatment for diabetes and other obesity-related medical conditions? You do. A study that will be reported Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the Journal of Obesity, reveals that taxpayers pay about $39 billion a year – about $175 per person – for obesity-related illnesses through Medicare and Medicaid programs.

The total amount of obesity-related medical costs totaled $75 billion in 2003, the report states.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at January 24, 2004 11:40 AM