Staggering Statistics

Newly released statistics from the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) illustrate that diabetes has risen by over 14 percent inthe last two years. The CDC estimates that 20.8 million Americans - 7 percent of the U.S. population have diabetes, up from 18.2 million in 2003. Nearly a third of these Americans are undiagnosed. According to theAmerican Diabetes Association (the Association), the new numbers highlight the growing diabetes epidemic in the United States and reinforce the need for increased research and prevention.

The CDC's report also demonstrates the need for all Americans with diabetes to have access to affordable andadequate health care."This study confirms what we already know: diabetes is one of this country's most prolific and deadly diseases," said Robert A. Rizza, MD,President of the American Diabetes Association. "Diabetes touches all of us in some way, which is why we must continue to work together to find a cure for diabetes and to improve the lives of the nearly 21 million Americans affected by diabetes."