Diabetes Facts

Facts about diabetes and its health threats in Dallas and North Texas

Diabetes is group of chronic diseases that involve problems in the regulation of blood sugar. Diabetes is categorized into Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Both result from the body's inability to either produce or respond adequately to insulin.

Diabetes is a real, increasing, and potent threat to the health of communities across the country. Here are some quick facts about the disease:

• According to the American Diabetes Association, roughly 30 million people, children and adults, have diabetes in the United States. 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, condition that interferes with the body’s ability to produce insulin and regulate blood sugar.
• Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
• According to the Texas Department of Health in 2001, more than 7 percent of people in Dallas County have diabetes, a rate that’s higher than the national or state average.
• Diabetes is more common among African Americans and Hispanics than among Caucasians.
• Left untreated, diabetes can cause severe and irreversible damage to nearly every organ in the body.
• Diabetes greatly increases a person’s chances of developing heart disease and suffering a stroke, if left unmanaged.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of new blindness among adults aged 20 to 74, and a leading overall cause of amputations and physical disability.
• Careful treatment and close management can greatly reduce the risks of diabetes.