Posted on 04/24/2014 3:40:44 PM PDT by neverdem
The rates of five serious complications from diabetes -- heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, amputations and death -- have all dropped dramatically since 1990, a new U.S. government study shows.
Heart attack rates have decreased nearly 70 percent in people with diabetes. Stroke rates have dropped by more than 50 percent, as have lower extremity amputations. Deaths from high blood sugar crises have fallen nearly 65 percent, and the risk of end-stage kidney disease is down 28 percent, according to the study.
The biggest declines in diabetes-related complications have occurred for heart attack and stroke, especially among people aged 75 and older.
But, the news isn't all good.
During the same time frame that diabetes complications were dropping, the rates of diabetes diagnoses were soaring. In 1990, 6.5 million Americans had diabetes. By 2010, that number was 20.7 million, according to the study authors.
Health experts point to the obesity epidemic as a leading contributor to the rise in cases of type 2 diabetes.
And, although the rates of diabetes complications are significantly lower than they used to be, they're still far greater than for those without diabetes. For example, someone with diabetes has a six times greater risk of developing kidney failure than does someone without the disease. The risk of amputation is 10 times higher, while the risk of a heart attack is twice as high, according to the study.
"In general, this study is good news. Rates of diabetes complications have declined, and that's a testament to what good care and self-management can do," said study author Edward Gregg, chief of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's epidemiology and statistics branch in the division of diabetes translation...
(Excerpt) Read more at philly.com ...
Changes in Diabetes-Related Complications in the United States, 1990–2010
I've had it since 1980, and back then we still had to pee on a stick, a method that didn't even show anything until sugar was at least 180 mg/dl.
When I first got it I assumed that I would have my feet amputated and be blind my last five years and be gone by 60, but maybe not.
Part of the reason for the rise in type 2 diabetes diagnoses is they have moved the goal posts.
Many years ago if your glucose fasting reading was above 140 you were considered a diabetic.
A few year ago the glucose reading was lowered to 120.
I don't know what reading they are using today but if it gets much lower most of the country will be considered type 2 diabetics. - tom
I’ve had doctors and nutritionists tell me “You can’t eat your way to diabetes.” They all had blank looks on their face when I said “Then why are you telling me to avoid certain foods.” The fact is most diabetes cases can be controlled with diet and exercise. It ain’t easy. I’m trying to do it myself.
VERY GOOD POINT!
My reading was 130-135 so doc told me I am borderline.
So I figured I have 2 choices...
1. go on meds
2. improve my lifestyle
I chose #2 and 5 years later still require no meds!
Eliminated rice, white bread and pasta made from refined wheat. Only whole wheat or 7 grain breads now.
Minimum 1 mile walk everyday on treadmill set at 5deg incline.
Seems to be working.
Hmmmm....I lost 20 lbs, began more rigorous exercise, intermittent fasting, and my sugars went UP to about 120....seems I’m hyperglycemic....people are different. I also quit pretty much eating carbs...am adding SOME back in.
> During the same time frame that diabetes complications were dropping, the rates of diabetes diagnoses were soaring.
It’s because of the stupid “low-fat” diets, which are high-carb. Thanks neverdem.
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