Diabetes -- an American epidemic

Most people with Type 2 diabetes are familiar with its complications including eye, foot and kidney problems. But many are unaware of the disease’s cardiovascular risks, which are significant.

People with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to have heart disease and strokes, and about 66 percent will die of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Diabetes Association.

“In fact, a person with diabetes has the same risk for a cardiac event as someone without diabetes who has already had a heart attack or has heart disease,” according to Mills-Peninsula cardiologist Tak Poon, M.D., FACC.

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas, an organ behind the stomach. Normally, the pancreas releases a hormone called insulin that helps the body store and use sugar and fat from food.

“Diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance and is commonly associated with the metabolic syndrome and its risk factors: obesity, high triglyceride levels, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, high blood pressure. These factors substantially increase the risk for atherosclerosis,” Dr. Poon said.

Diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions. Currently 20 percent of Americans age 65 or older have Type 2 diabetes, and it also is increasing in younger people. Studies indicate that between 1990-1998, the prevalence of diabetes in people age
30-39 rose by 76 percent.

“Even more disturbing is the significant rise in Type 2 diabetes among school-age children,” according to Celeste Chavez, MSN, FNP. “This rise corresponds with increased obesity and reduced physical activity.

A recent international study showed that by improving blood glucose levels and lowering blood pressure, people with diabetes reduced relative risk for heart attacks by 16 percent, stroke by 44 percent and microvascular disease by 37 percent.

For more information about Mills-Peninsula diabetes programs, call 1(800) 654 9966 or click here.