West Virginia continues to grapple with one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates in the U.S., with an alarming number of residents unaware they are living with the condition. According to recent data, approximately 15-18% of adults in the state have been diagnosed with diabetes, a figure that underscores the state’s growing health challenge.
Diabetes, particularly type 2, has become a significant concern for West Virginians, as tens of thousands of individuals are estimated to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Moreover, around 502,000 residents are believed to have prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. The widespread nature of prediabetes—affecting one in three U.S. adults—suggests a troubling future for the state unless action is taken to address the issue early.
Although exact numbers separating type 1 from type 2 diabetes are often not available, national data suggests that over 90% of the cases in West Virginia are type 2. This form of diabetes results from the body’s inability to effectively use insulin, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes, though significant, constitutes a smaller portion of the state’s overall diabetes burden.
Experts emphasize that early intervention is crucial in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. With the right lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, it is possible to reverse prediabetes and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Furthermore, the state’s high rate of undiagnosed diabetes highlights the importance of routine screenings and public health education to improve early detection and management.
In a video featured alongside the article, Dr. Sindhura Ravindra from WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center explains how diabetes affects the body’s major organs and offers advice on managing the disease. These insights serve as a valuable resource for those living with diabetes or at risk, providing crucial information on how to better manage their health.
As West Virginia faces an ongoing diabetes epidemic, public health initiatives focusing on prevention, education, and early detection remain vital in tackling the state’s diabetes burden.
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