Study Shows Diabetes Rates Skyrocketing Worldwide
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A new study shows diabetes is skyrocketing around the world.
According to researchers, cases have quadrupled in the past three decades.
Stephen Hale has been working hard to get healthy. His wake up call came nine years ago when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
Despite a family history, the 52-year-old was shocked.
"I just didn't' feel any different, I felt normal. I was going through my everyday life," he said.
Hale isn't alone.
A study in The Lancet medical journal finds 422 million adults have diabetes worldwide.
"It tells me that we have an epidemic. Those are big numbers," explained Dr. Magdalena Bogun of Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at New York–Presbyterian Hospital.
Researchers looked at more than 700 studies involving more than 4 million adults. They found low and middle-income countries experienced the biggest jumps in diabetes and that it's more common among men.
In the U.S., rates increased 80 percent for men and 50 percent for women.
Obesity is a main risk factor.
"The food is the key – the food and exercise. Really monitoring the carbohydrate intake and eating less processed food. Eliminating sugary drinks is really the key," Bogun said.
Hale is doing all he can to keep his diabetes under control.
"There was exercise and then also watching my diet, were the biggest lifestyle changes," he said.
He also takes two medications and sees his doctor regularly.