A diabetes study highlighted the paradox of American healthcare:
Improved treatment reduces diabetic complications while the number of new cases of diabetes continues to swell.
There has been a 68% decline in the risk of heart attacks in diabetes over 20 years… accompanied by a greater than 200% increase in the prevalence of diabetes over the same period.
The net misery index for diabetes is not trending favorably.
A solution is within easy reach
The mismatch between treatment and prevention is even more unfortunate given the fact that we already know how to prevent diabetes quite effectively—and at low cost. A lifestyle intervention program consisting of nutritional changes and 30 minutes of walking per day has been shown to reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes by more than 50%.
A great accomplishment—but an even greater opportunity
The recently documented success in reducing diabetic complications is a tribute to all that is great in our health care system. The prevalence of diabetes, literally bursting at the seams, is a bitter reminder of the enormity of missed opportunities.
How sweet it would be if we focused as much attention on nutrition and lifestyle as we do on medication and procedures.
Reference: Changes in Diabetes-Related Complications in the United States
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