Washington, Dec 01: The number of diabetics residing in the US will double in the next 25 years if no special policies tackling the issue are adopted, health officials say.
“We forecast that in the next 25 years, the population size of people with diabetes — both diagnosed and undiagnosed — will rise from approximately 24 million people to 44 million people by the year 2034,” said lead researcher Elbert S. Huang.
According to a study published in Diabetes Care, it is believed the cost of caring for this group will triple during the time frame, imposing a heavy burden on families and on the government.
“If things stay the way they are right now we will have massive increases in diabetes incidence in this country,” added Huang.
An aging population and a dramatic rise in obesity are considered factors that will contribute to the predicted surge in diabetes over the next two decades.
Scientists believe tackling the rise in obesity is the most effective measure to minimize the anticipated increase.
They stress that a modest weight loss, moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes five times a week and seeking early treatment for the condition are among the most effective and inexpensive treatments that can delay or prevent diabetes and its complications.
–Agencies