83% of Americans At Risk For Diabetes Not Tested

The survey sought to determine a baseline among Americans on their level of awareness and knowledge regarding type 2 diabetes.

The survey showed those individuals are not meeting elements of an important diabetes target -- the National Diabetes Goal (NDG). The NDG was established in May 2008, by leading advocacy, health and business organizations and is the following: by 2015, 45 percent of Americans who are at-risk for type 2 diabetes will know their blood glucose level and what actions to take. Currently more than 40 professional organizations have joined forces and have committed to helping the nation achieve the goal by becoming a goal champion.

Reaching the Goal is critical when you consider that nearly 24 million Americans suffer from diabetes, a number that is expected to double by 2025, and 57 million have pre-diabetes. Further, according to the ADA, the total annual economic cost of diagnosed diabetes in 2007 was estimated to be $174 billion. In factoring in other associated costs, such as the expenses associated with people with undiagnosed diabetes, pre-diabetes, and gestational diabetes, the economic cost is as much as $218 billion each year according to a study conducted by a NDG Champion, the Novo Nordisk's National Changing Diabetes Program, and released earlier this month.

The survey on awareness and understanding of diabetes, also commissioned by the National Changing Diabetes Program, determined that 131 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes and should be tested -- based on ADA guidelines. According to the ADA, people 45 years and older, and those who are younger than 45, are overweight and have one additional risk factor, such as high blood pressure or a history of heart disease, are considered at risk and should be tested.

Additional survey results show that minority populations, who often have a higher risk of diabetes, are among those groups in most need of support to meet the National Diabetes Goal. Findings show:

-- 42 percent of at risk Hispanics do not meet any element of the National Diabetes Goal while 44 percent of at risk African Americans did not meet any element.
-- 56 percent of Hispanics should be tested and 59 percent of African Americans are at risk for diabetes and should talk to their doctor about being tested.
-- Only 6 out of 10 at risk Hispanics recall being tested. And only 3 out of 10 at risk Hispanics claim to know their number.

"It is important for Americans, particularly the Hispanic and African American communities in our country, to get tested for diabetes," said Stewart Perry, Chair of the Board for the American Diabetes Association, another leading National Diabetes Goal Champion. "We also encourage people older than 45, and those who are younger than 45 but overweight or have additional risk factors to get tested. It's a simple step that can have profound positive benefits."

National Changing Diabetes Program