This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

Rewarding for
you and us
Defeat Diabetes Foundation

Defeat Diabetes
Foundation
150 153rd Ave,
Suite 300
Madeira Beach, FL 33708

Diabetes Prevalence Outstrips National Growth Rate and More

Posted: Wednesday, August 09, 2006

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 50% increase in the prevalence of diabetes from 1997 to 2004.

An analysis of data from the National Health Interview surveys has revealed that although the estimated US population increased by approximately 8% during 1997 to 2004, the prevalence of diabetes increased by 50% during this period (10.1 to 15.2 million). The increase in diabetes cases corresponded with a 41% increase in the estimated number of diabetes-related visits to physician offices and hospital outpatient departments.

An analysis of 2005 data from the School Health Profiles questionnaire has revealed that although nearly all high schools in 25 states and 10 large urban school districts provided some level of nutrition/dietary behavior and physical activity/exercise instruction, only half to three quarters of schools taught all 15 nutrition topics and even fewer (one to two thirds) taught all 12 physical activity topics as recommended by the CDC.

Moreover, fewer than half of lead health education teachers in the schools had received staff development on nutrition and physical activity within the preceding 2 years.

According to the CDC, studies have indicated that teachers who receive staff development are more likely to effectively cover a broader range of these topics, which have been shown to improve dietary behavior, increase physical activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and decrease the prevalence of overweight among students.

The CDC recommends that health education on nutrition and physical activity topics be included in schools as part of a coordinated program that includes healthy meal and snack choices; a physical education program based on recommendations from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education in Moving Into the Future: National Standards for Physical Education; opportunities for safe and enjoyable physical activity; school health services and counseling regarding dietary behavior and physical activity; and a health promotion program for school staff members.

Source: Diabetes In Control: MMWR. 2006;55(30):817-840. August 4 issue of the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report