Within a decade the number rose to 9.1 diabetic per 1,000 adults in 2005-2007 from 4.8 per 1,000 in 1995-1997 in 33 states. That is equivalent to a 90 percent growth, according to the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Karen Kirtland, author of the report and data analyst of CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation, said, "This dramatic increase in the number of people with diabetes highlights the increasing burden of diabetes across the country... This study demonstrates that we must continue to promote effective diabetes prevention efforts that include lifestyle interventions for people at risk for diabetes. Changes such as weight loss combined with moderate physical activity are important steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk for developing diabetes."
The study showed a wide range of diabetes incidence from 5 per 1,000 in Minnesota to 12.7 for every 1,000 in West Virginia. By state the highest incidents of the chronic ailment were observed mostly in Southern states, particularly Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.
