Diabetes cases will nearly double in the United States over the next 25 years, and the cost of the treating the disease will nearly triple, according to a recent study released by researchers at the University of Chicago.

The findings are a signal for African Americans to make major lifestyle changes, because the community is disproportionately affected by diabetes, compared with the general population, according to the latest statistics available from the American Diabetes Association. An estimated 3.7 million, or 14.7 percent, of all African Americans aged 20 or older have the disease.

The university study found that the number of people with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes is expected to increase from 24 million this year to 44 million in 2034.

The alarming news comes at a time when spending for public health care is already under fire. Medicare spending is expected to skyrocket, from $45 billion to $171 billion, and could exceed all projections in 25 years, the Chicago Tribune reported. Much of the increase will be driven by an estimated 77 million aging baby boomers.

The findings highlight the importance for Americans -- especially African Americans -- to overhaul their diet and exercise programs. Obesity and diabetes are closely related. Citing a separate study by researchers at Loyola University Health System, the Tribune reported that more diabetics are becoming morbidly obese.

Often diabetics are unaware that they have the disease until they develop complications, including blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and nerve damage.

About 90 percent of diabetics have type 2 diabetes, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't make enough. Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, the hormone needed so food can enter the cells to produce energy.




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