Diabetes a threat to future society

The spread and scope of diabetes is clearly alarming. The complications that afflict diabetics have traditionally been associated with older sufferers, yet incidences in younger patients of stroke, heart problems and amputations, is increasing. In some parts of American, concerns are growing that these higher incidences could impact on the workforce and society, of tomorrow.
A recent study by the University of Texas investigated obesity amongst 320 volunteers. The subjects were all from grades 9-12, and pupils at Porter High School. Between February 2004 and March 2005 experts examined what could be seen as a representative cross section of American youth.
The results are alarming. 59% of children were found to be overweight. Furthermore, 45% of the volunteers were already displaying signs of glucose intolerance. This factor is usually seen as an indication that diabetes, or pre-diabetes, is on the way.
Currently, 18 million Americans suffer from diabetes, and an estimated 41 million have pre-diabetes. The burden placed on health care by diabetics is enormous, and concerns rest on whether the infrastructure of hospitals, doctors and healthcare teams is large enough or equipped enough for the scale of the problem. As the American Diabetes Association state; 1 in 3 Americans born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes during their lifetime.