Despite the advancements in understanding and treating Type 2 diabetes, the U.S. continues to grapple with the disease’s escalating prevalence. Type 2 diabetes, characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar effectively, affects over 10% of Americans, with nearly 40% at risk. This means that half of all adults and a quarter of teenagers either have diabetes or are pre-diabetic. The financial burden is staggering, with the nation spending over $300 billion annually on diabetes care, which equates to $1 of every $4 spent on healthcare.Â
The personal repercussions of the disease are even more severe, leading to heart attacks, amputations, blindness, kidney diseases, and doubling the risk of premature death. Additionally, the emotional strain of managing this chronic condition can result in “diabetes distress,” characterized by regular energy dips, foggy thinking, depression, and feelings of isolation.Â
What’s particularly frustrating for experts is that Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable and controllable. Dr. Donald Berwick, a pediatrician and former administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, emphasized that the knowledge and tools to combat the disease effectively exist. However, the diagnosed rates have skyrocketed over the past 25 years, especially among working-age adults.Â
The pandemic further highlighted the vulnerability of those with Type 2 diabetes. Roughly 40% of early fatalities during the pandemic had the disease, making their death rate four times higher than those without it. Elevated blood sugar levels, even if below the threshold for Type 2 diabetes, increase the risk of heart disease by 30% to 50%.Â
The nation’s failure to address this health crisis underscores broader issues with the food and medical systems. Unhealthy food options are often cheaper and more accessible than healthier alternatives. The healthcare system is more geared towards treating diseases than preventing them, which is more profitable for insurance companies, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry.Â
The USA TODAY Health team conducted extensive interviews with healthcare providers, researchers, community leaders, and patients to understand the root causes of this worsening situation. The findings suggest that the problem is multifaceted, involving systemic challenges that affect everyone, not just those with diabetes. Factors include a food system prioritizing sales over health, a medical system where amputation is cheaper than prevention, the high cost of a healthy lifestyle, and the difficulty of breaking ingrained habits.Â
Personal stories, like those of Robin Ray, Brian Castrucci, and James Haynes, highlight the individual struggles and systemic barriers faced by those with diabetes. While personal responsibility plays a role, structural issues like poverty, racism, and unequal access to quality healthcare and food are significant contributors. In conclusion, while the challenges are immense, experts believe the system can be fixed.
Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, emphasized the need for collective action across various sectors, including healthcare, science, nutrition, business, public health, and politics. With concerted efforts, the nation can shift its trajectory towards better health and away from the looming threat of diet-related illnesses. Â
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