Weight Control and Exercise Reduce Diabetes Risk
by Kathy Stroh, M.S., R.D.

On March 19, 2002 the Division of Public Health, Diabetes Control Program released the "Burden of Diabetes in Delaware" report. The information contained in the extensive document was alarming:

• More than 30,000 Delawareans have diagnosed diabetes
• 15,000 people are unaware that they have diabetes, and have not been diagnosed
• 1 in 8 hospital discharges (1995-1999) involved a person with diabetes
• persons with diabetes made 1/3 million physicians’ visits in 1998, including visits for heart disease, eye disease, hypertension, infections and neuropathy
• the total economic cost in 1997 was $300 million
• Delaware had the 4th highest death rate from diabetes (in 1998)

Most diabetes occurs in persons over age 65. In fact, half of all diagnosed cases occur in this age group. Older women outnumber men by 2 to 1.

There is positive news. Researchers believe that decreasing risk factors can reduce the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes. The most common risk factors are excess body weight and lack of exercise.

Currently, high and ever-increasing rate of overweight and lack of exercise suggest that the incidence of diabetes will increase for many years. The Burden of Diabetes Report reveals a deadly, chronic disease at epidemic levels in Delaware. There is no immediate end to this epidemic, unless people make a dedicated, sustained decision to control their weight and exercise.

What can you do?

• If you have diabetes, follow your meal plan, exercise regularly, test blood glucose and see your physician for regular care.
• If you are overweight and have a family history of diabetes, get tested.
• If you have a family history of diabetes, control your weight by healthful eating and exercise.

The importance of physical activity and good nutrition was confirmed by the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study. In this major research, people at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes dramatically reduced their chances of developing the disease by doing the following:

• Exercise
• Eating right
• Losing about 15 pounds if they were overweight

The message is clear: improved nutrition and regular activity, of any type, can prevent both complications and chances of developing diabetes.