US diabetes statistics top 20 million

Diabetes, which is gradually being recognised as an enormous global problem, is now thought to affect almost 21 million Americans. Over 40 million Americans are also thought to be suffering from pre-diabetes, also known as Metabolic Syndrome or Syndrome X.
The figures are part of the 2005 U.S. CDC factsheet. The CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventio, has highlighted the statistic as part of its National Diabetes Education Program. The figure, which has grown by three million in the three years since 2002, and the diabetic population now represents 7 per cent of the total U.S. population. Of these, 6 million are unaware that they have the condition and are undiagnosed.
The most alarming figure is probably the pre-diabetes estimate. Pre-diabetes is perceived as a major step in the development of the diabetic condition. The pre-diabetic state is attributed to poor diet and exercise, as well as genetic predisposition. An expert at the CDC claimed that pre-diabetics could significantly reduce the likelihood of developing type 2 by losing weight.
The CDC 2005 National Diabetes Fact Sheet also contained other statistics about the diabetic condition. These included an analysis of diabetes amongst different ethnic groups, and the amount of healthcare expenditure on diabetes in the U.S.