16% Of American Adults Have Diabetes

Almost 16% of American adults have diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 95% of diabetes cases are Type 2, which happens when the body no longer responds to insulin to moderate blood sugar levels. In 2000, 9.7% of adults had the disease. Men are more likely to have diabetes than women. 4.5% of adult Americans have it, but are unaware. This is concerning, researchers said, because “uncontrolled blood glucose levels over a long period of time can affect multiple organ systems, including the nervous system, kidneys, eyes, heart and blood vessels.” (UPI)