Diabetes Facts

Diabetes is a 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.

How Common Is Diabetes in Our Community?

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, a condition that interferes with the body’s ability to produce insulin and regulate blood sugar.
• Nationwide, diabetes is the 6th leading cause of death.
• According to the Texas Department of Health, in 2001, more than 7% of people in Dallas County had 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.

Further Resources

For questions about the Diabetes Self-Management Program and its costs, or to refer a patient to the program, contact: