Doctor: Serious Diabetes Threat Around The Corner
By Bruce Hagevik, NewsRadio 830 WCCO
MINNETONKA (WCCO) -- Obesity is a main reason type 2 diabetes is on the increase.
Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult-onset diabetes, though it can affect some children.
"We show that nearly half of Americans will have diabetes or pre-diabetes by 2020 -- at a cost of nearly $3.4 trillion over the next decade," said Dr. Deneen Vojta, who is senior vice president of the United Health Center for Health Reform & Modernization.
The center released a study which stresses the need for prevention through healthy living practices. Doctors say the recommendations not only could improve health and life expectancy, but save up to $250 billion over the next 10 years.
"Since we have unprecedented levels of obesity in this country, it's not a surprise to see a couple years behind that this new diabetes epidemic," said Vojta.
Recommendations include lifestyle intervention such as exercise and weight control.
United Health Group is headquartered in Minnetonka.
NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Bruce Hagevik Interviews Dr. Deneen Vojta
