New Data Show Diabetes Prevalence Continues To Rise In New York City

NEW YORK, July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Health Department today released new data on New York City's growing diabetes epidemic. According to the Health Department's Community Health Survey, from 2002 to 2012, the proportion of adults with diabetes increased by 33% – from 8% to 10.7%. The Health Department estimates that in 2012 there were 667,000 New Yorkers with diabetes, an increase of more than 200,000 since 2002. The new data also show that from 2010 to 2012 alone, the proportion increased by 15% – from 9.3% to 10.7%. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley released the data during an "Everyday Health Reports" roundtable discussion on type 2 diabetes moderated by CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Dr. Joel Zonszein, director of the Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center, at Everyday Health Headquarters.

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"Nearly one in nine adult New Yorkers have now been diagnosed with diabetes, an all-time high in New York City," said Health Commissioner Farley. "Even more have diabetes and don't know it.  This is a health crisis that is being driven by the city's epidemic of obesity, and like obesity, it is preventable."

Diabetes is a complex and chronic disease that is associated with obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol. It is twice as common among obese New Yorkers. People with diabetes are at increased risk of heart attack, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, and amputations. In 2011, the number of diabetes-related deaths in New York City was 5,695, a record high. One person dies of diabetes-related causes every 90 minutes in New York City.

Everyday Health, a health and wellness media company, today shared results from a survey of pre-diabetes and diabetes in tandem with an in-depth diabetes report on the growing phenomenon of teens diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on EverydayHealth.com. The national survey showed that 76% of people with diabetes believe they are adherent to their doctor's protocol, yet only 57% are effectively managing their levels to be in the therapeutic range. Among those who believe they're successfully managing their condition, 80% report using a tool such as digital fitness and exercise trackers, weight management tools and searching online for diabetes-friendly recipes.

"The NYC and Everyday Health data suggests that there is a disconnect between perception and reality among this patient population and there's an opportunity to do better," explained Dr. Gupta in advance of his video report launching tomorrow on EverydayHealth.com. "If we are serious about creating a healthier New York City, and America for that matter, arming people with the right knowledge and tools to inspire them towards a positive change is how we can win."  

The Clinical Diabetes Center at Montefiore Medical Center helps people with diabetes live full, healthy lives, providing comprehensive care for adults with diabetes. The multidisciplinary team of experienced endocrinologists, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and nutritionists provide diabetes management to 4,000 individuals annually in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Montefiore Medical Center offers an acclaimed diabetes self-management education program in English and Spanish, the Proactive Managed Information System for Education in Diabetes (PROMISED©) program, that has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association for exemplary performance. In addition, the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at The Children's Hospital of Montefiore is one of three in New York City to be approved by the American Diabetes Association. Its mission is to improve overall health and well-being of children with diabetes and endocrine disorders.

"At Montefiore, we see first-hand the devastating impact diabetes can have on our patients and their families," said Dr. Zonszein. "Prevention is key when it comes to managing this often silent disease and it starts with education. Now more than ever, we must all work together to reduce obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol in order to make a real difference and improve patient care."

SOURCE Everyday Health, Inc.