What kind of progress against diabetes could we make if we unite to achieve one ambitious goal?
By 2015, 45% of Americans who are at risk for type 2 diabetes will know their blood glucose level and what actions to take.
1. We could reduce the number of new cases of type 2 diabetes.
The numbers are staggering. On our current path, an estimated 50 million people, 15% of the population, will suffer from diabetes by the year 2025.1
2. We could stimulate much-needed discussion between patients and their health care providers about what it takes to stay healthy.
By getting tested in a doctor's office or clinic, people at risk can learn from their health care providers about the actions they can take to help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. These actions include losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight, increasing physical activity or exercise, and getting the proper follow-up testing and care. Consult your physician before you begin an exercise program.
3. We could find those people who have diabetes but don't know it.
According to a recent phone survey at least 58% of the population is at risk for type 2 diabetes.2 If people at risk for diabetes get tested, some of them will learn that they already have diabetes - they just didn't know it. About one of every three people with diabetes is undiagnosed. These individuals can begin to follow a treatment plan to help prevent the serious complications that diabetes can bring, which include heart disease, stroke, blindness, amputations and kidney failure.
Awareness of diabetes is not the problem; it's time to motivate action
According to a national survey of societal knowledge and perceptions of diabetes conducted by Gallup® commissioned by the National Changing Diabetes® Program (NCDP), almost all Americans (94%) consider diabetes a serious health issue, and half say they feel personally affected by diabetes.3
We all have a part in the solution and that is why leaders from all sectors of society have come together to support the National Diabetes Goal.
1: Diabetes & 2025: Four Future Scenarios for the Twin Health Epidemics. (IAF Working Report, June 2006) Alexandria, VA: The Institute for Alternative Futures. Retrieved August 2008, from http://www.altfutures.com/foresight/Diabetes_Scenarios_June_1st.pdf
2: U.S. Public's Attainment of Communications Goal. (Opinion Research Coordination, April 2008):Conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for Novo Nordisk. Retrieved April 2008.
3: Diabetes in America: Public Knowledge, Perceptions and Behaviors. A Societal Barometer. (Gallup Survey, May 2008): Conducted by Gallup® for Novo Nordisk. Retrieved August 2008.