Diabetes: A Growing Health Problem in North Carolina

There is an estimated 584,000 people that have Diabetes in North Carolina; one third of whom do not know they have this disease. African-Americans and other ethnic minorities have a higher prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes.

Diabetic Complications:

Diabetes is responsible for approximately 14,000 hospitalizations per year and 3,000 lower extremity amputations. Diabetes is also the leading cause of blindness, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and kidney failure.

Mortality:

In the year 2000, diabetes was the fifth leading cause of mortality in North Carolina, resulting in 2,078 deaths. This figure represents an increase of 30% in mortality when compared to 1994 (1,597 deaths).

Diabetes Control:

The following measures are useful in controlling diabetes and preventing complications.

• Weight control & daily excercise
• Healthy diet/ meal planning
• Regular Monitoring of blood glucose levels and keeping them as close to normal as possible
• Monitored A1C levels (2-4 times per year)
• Annual flu vaccination and pneumonia updates
• Annual eye dialations & foot medical examinations
• Control of cholesterol levels and blood pressure

Source:

Diabetes in North Carolina

A Summary Report-2002

North Carolina Diabetes Prevention and Control Branch (DCP)