Over half of Americans may face diabetes or be prediabetic in 10 years according to a new report. If the current trend continues, it could cost the US health care system $3.35 trillion, according to the report by insurer UnitedHealth Group Inc.
Model Photo
Currently, around 26 million Americans are diabetic and another 67 million are estimated to have prediabetes. As being overweight is a leading cause of type-2 diabetes, when the numbers of overweight and obese Americans grows, so too do the numbers of diabetics. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it causes two problems. Right away, your cells may be starved for energy. Also, over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart.
A study released last September found from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) found that after a review of the 33 leading world economies, the US came in first with the most overweight population. The organization also points towards a disturbing trend that we're getting fatter, not healthier. In the study, "Obesity and the Economics of Prevention," the authors write, "If recent trends continue, projections suggest that more than 2 out of 3 people will be overweight or obese in at least some OECD countries within the next 10 years."
According to the UnitedHealth analysis, if we can adopt healthier lifestyles nationwide, it could lead to cost savings of as much as $250 billion over the next 10 years.
