Diabetes survey - Americans optimistic for cure
diabetes according to results released this week, yet many are
doing little to lower their risk. Many are however optimistic about
scientists' chances of finding a cure.
Nearly 50 per cent of Americans are concerned that they may develop diabetes according to results released this week from a recent survey conducted by Equal sweetener ahead of the US national diabetes month in November.
This year alone, 1 million new cases of diabetes are expected in the US, adding to the 17 million people currently living with this disease.
Conducted by ORC International, the survey which polled 1,000 adults 18 years and older, found that women are more likely than men to be concerned about developing diabetes (52 per cent versus 48 per cent of men). And African Americans are more likely than Caucasians (67 v 46 per cent) to be concerned. Those aged 35-44 are also more likely to be concerned about developing diabetes than those older than 65.
"Diabetes is a serious and chronic disease that is clearly an epidemic," said Karmeen Kulkarni, a diabetes expert and 2002 recipient of the American Diabetes Association Outstanding Educator in Diabetes Award. "However, most people don't realise there are simple things they can do to help support those who have diabetes."
Stress also can increase blood glucose levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle has long been regarded by the American Diabetes Association as playing an integral role in the long-term management of diabetes.
However, eighty per cent of those surveyed believe it is likely that scientists and researchers will find a cure for diabetes in the next twenty years, and more than two thirds said they would like to help find a cure.
"Scientists and researchers have made great strides in the past few years," said Kulkarni. "Recent research studies have helped us better understand how to manage and hopefully someday find a cure for this disease."
Equal is a registered trademark of Merisant, which acquired the sweetener business from Monsanto in March 200l. With more than $400 million in worldwide sales, Merisant is a market leader in the worldwide $1.2 billion high-intensity tabletop sweetener market, which includes the brands Equal and Canderel.
