Report: Diabetics Living Longer, But Diabetes Rates in US Are Still Rising
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Jeffrey Hamilton/Lifesize/Thinkstock(ATLANTA) — People with diabetes are living longer, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The report credits healthier lifestyles and better management of the disease as reasons for the extended lifespan. People are less likely to smoke and more inclined to be physically active, reports My Health News Daily.
Between 1997 and 2004, the percentage of people who have died from diabetes has dropped 23 percent, says the report.
Despite these promising numbers, the number of people with diabetes has tripled since 1980, especially in cases of type 2. This has been linked to the rise in obesity, inactivity, and older age, according to My Health News Daily.
The CDC estimates that 25.8 million Americans have diabetes, and seven million of those carriers are not even aware of it.
Longer life spans are promising for those currently living with the disease, and Ann Albright, director of the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation says “taking care of your heart through healthy lifestyle choices is making a difference.”
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio