By V.S. Santoni
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 37 million Americans have diabetes, with approximately 90-95 percent of them having type 2 diabetes. In Tennessee, 13.7 percent of residents have received a diabetes diagnosis. The National Institute for Health (NIH) reports that the age-standardized diabetes prevalence is highest in Mississippi, West Virginia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia.
Numerous studies have consistently shown that diabetes prevalence rates are significantly higher in the southern United States compared to other regions. Across the country, ethnic and racial minorities have notably higher rates of diabetes than their white counterparts, particularly in the southern states. In 2019, Tennessee published a Diabetes Legislative Report, shedding light on the financial burden of diabetes in the state and emphasizing associated risk factors.
The CDC recommends diabetes prevention strategies, including maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, limiting the consumption of sugary and processed foods, and undergoing regular checkups.
The most common risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits, a family history of diabetes, and age. Some research has suggested a link between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and an increased risk of diabetes.
While diabetes is a serious condition, it is treatable. However, the first step in managing diabetes is knowing one’s status. Regular health checkups that include diabetes screenings are crucial, but accessibility remains a challenge. The affordability of insulin remains a subject of ongoing debate in the United States, in addition to the continued discussions regarding Medicaid access.
Tennessee stands as one of the few states nationwide that has opted not to expand Medicaid access, a provision initially allowed with the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Consequently, many residents in the state lack access to life-saving treatments like insulin. Achieving better health outcomes necessitates that both the state of Tennessee and the United States ensure that affordable medications and treatments are accessible to all individuals with diabetes.
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