Diabetes is one of the faster growing chronic illnesses in America, creating a significant health problem throughout the country. As of 2011, the CDC estimates that 26 million Americans are living with diabetes, and that another 79 million adults are prediabetic¾which means they meet some, but not all, of the diagnostic criteria for the disease. The CDC also forecasts that if the current rate of diagnosis remains unchanged, that as many as 1 in 3 Americans could be living with diabetes by 2050.

Because diabetes is associated with a number of short and long-term health problems, the rising American diabetes rate is a real cause for concern.Complications associated with diabetes include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, eye damage, and foot damage. The Mayo Clinic also states that recent research suggests that diabetes may also increase the risk of certain kinds of cancer, skin and mouth conditions, and Alzheimer's disease. To halt the growing number of people with diabetes in America, it's important that everyone learns how to recognize and lower their risk factors.

American Diabetes: Risk Factors

Anyone who suffers damage to their pancreas can develop diabetes, but most cases are more related to weight gain and inactivity than chronic pancreatic conditions.

Here are some of the primary risk factors of diabetes according to the CDC:

• Obesity: The American diabetes rate is closely tied to the national increase in obesity. Being overweight puts stress on many different areas of your body,including the pancreas and its ability to use insulin. By losing weight, people without diabetes can reduce their risk of having the disease, while diabetic Americans can often lower their chance of complications.
• Inactivity: Even people that aren't overweight can be dangerously inactive, increasing the chance that they'll experience diabetes. Physical exercise makes your body more sensitive to insulin while using glucose and making your body healthier in general. If you exercise less than three times a week, you're at a greater risk of experiencing diabetes.
• Diet: The food you eat plays a significant role in how healthy you are, as well as how prone you are to diabetes. For every American, diabetes is more likely to occur when eating a sugary, high-calorie, fatty diet. By eating more healthy foods and avoiding empty calories, you can reduce your risk of diabetes.
• Race: For a number of complicated reasons, members of certain races are more likely to experience diabetes than others. African Americans, Asian Americans, Non-White Hispanics, and Native Americans are all prone to diabetes. This means that if you belong to any of these racial groups, it's important you keep an even closer eye on your risk of experiencing diabetes in America.

By knowing your risk factors and being pro-active about prevention, it's possible to avoid diabetes and minimize complications. In addition, the steps needed to reduce your risk of diabetes also lower your chance of experiencing other chronic illnesses, like heart disease.

American Diabetes: Help Getting Healthy

If you are an American with diabetes or are at risk of the disease, there are programs designed to help people like you improve your health.

• Local Programs: State and local governments often have health programs designed to help people with diabetes better manage their illness. The content of these programs varies by location, but many offer nutrition advice, medical guidance, and support groups. To find a program that works with diabetes in America near your, contact your physician or local hospital for more information.
• National Programs: For Americans with diabetes, help is also available at the national level through organizations and charities. The largest of these is the American Diabetes Association, which maintains a free information call line, lifestyle advice, and advocacy.
• Federal Programs: The federal government funds research on American diabetes through the CDC and National Institutes of Health (NIH). The educational information available through these organizations can be valuable to anyone learning how to live with diabetes.

The federal government also sponsors medical programs to help manage American diabetes issues. Medicare in particular can be a significant help if you're struggling to pay for basic diabetic medical supplies and are over 65 years of age. For more information on Medicare and other federal programs, speak to your physician or a nearby diabetes support program.

Living with diabetes in America isn't always easy, but there are ways to improve your health, reduce your risks, and receive support. With proper management and preventative care, you can be an American in control of your diabetes.