By Sandra Treviño
Extra News
November is National Diabetes Awareness month. According to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes. If current trends continue, as many as 1 in 3 adults in the US could have diabetes by 2050.
Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood stands out with shocking diabetes mortality numbers – at a level more than three times the rate of the national average. Despite the alarming statistics, there are hopeful deviations. Local support organizations provide neighborhoods with information about the disease as well as preventive measures one can take.
Data obtained from Sinai Health Systems ‘Improving Community Health Survey’ indicates “the prevalence in this community of Puerto Ricans in Chicago – 20.8% – is the highest diabetes prevalence we have been able to locate for Puerto Ricans, and is twice as high as findings for Puerto Ricans living on the island or in New York City.” Contributing factors include a family history of diabetes and obesity, which are both currently widespread.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging residents to…
Finish reading Alarming rates of diabetes in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood call for preventive measures
Comment(1)
health101
Diabetes statistics are increasing every year. Diabetes is one of the top ten leading causes of death in the nation and the numbers are growing.