Practical Practitioner

By: Pamela Egan, FNP-C CDE

Alarming increase in rate of diabetics predicted

The number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes is projected to increase by 165 percent – 29 million people- in the next 50 years. Currently, 11 million citizens have diabetes. Adults 75 years and older will make up the majority of the new cases. Rates are projected to be higher among black men and women, at 363 percent and 217 percent, respectively.

The rates were predicted using trends in prevalence data from 1980 to 1998. Of the projected increase, 27 percent would be the result of population growth, 36 percent the increasing prevalence rates, and 37 percent demographic composition.

As a co-investigator of this 10 year study, I would encourage all family members of diabetics to participate. There are many benefits for those who participate in the study. It has already been proven that diabetes can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes, therefore, long-term research such as this will render invaluable information for those of us who have Diabetes in our family history.

There are several other research studies available for diabetics at this time. All medications, lab and X-rays are included at no cost to the participants. Please call 985-892-7517 if you are interested in participating in any of these research studies.

This article was originally published February 25, 2002 in The St. Tammany News.

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