Cases of new diabetes diagnoses in USA nearly doubles in 10 years

The rate of new cases of diagnosed diabetes rose by more than 90% among American adults over the last 10 years, according to a new study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data, published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, show that, in the past decade, the incidence (new cases) of diagnosed diabetes has increased from 4.8 per 1,000 people during 1995-1997 to 9.1 per 1,000 in 2005-2007 in 33 states.

"This dramatic increase in the number of people with diabetes highlights the increasing burden of diabetes across the country," according to lead author of the research, Karen Kirtland, a data analyst with the CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation. "This study demonstrates that we must continue to promote effective diabetes prevention efforts that include lifestyle interventions for people at risk for diabetes," she added.

The study used data from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, and provides incidence rates of diabetes for 43 states and two US territories. Only 33 states had data for both time periods, but 43 collected data in 2005-2007, it was noted.