New Data Available that Show Relationship Between Diabetes, Obesity, and Chronic Disease

1/21/2004

From: Karen Carp of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 301-427-1858 or kcarp@ahrq.gov

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 -- In 2001, about 12.4 million Americans age 18 and older not living in institutions had been told by a physician that they had diabetes, according to data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Medical research has shown that the increase in diabetes is linked to the obesity epidemic in this country.

Other data from MEPS:

-- In 2000, over $18 billion was spent on health care for people with diabetes.

-- In 2001, adults with diabetes were more than three times more likely to be extremely obese (body mass index-or BMI-greater than or equal to 40) than adults without diabetes, and over one- and-a-half times more likely to be obese (BMI of 30.0-39.9).

-- Adults with diabetes were about one-and-a-half times more likely than adults without diabetes to have asthma, nearly three times more likely to have hypertension, more than three times more likely to have heart disease, and more than four times more likely to have a stroke.

To see these data in a statistical brief that includes bar charts, go to http://www.meps.ahrq.gov/PrintProducts/PrintProd_Detail.asp?ID=587

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Editor's Note: January 18 - 24 is Healthy Weight Week. For more information on reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes go to http://www.healthierus.gov. An online BMI calculator is available at http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/.