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Experts predict rapid rise in diabetes rates

Category: Diabetes

Blood tests for diabetes could spike in the near future, according to a new study. Researchers projected that more than 53 million Americans may have the metabolic condition by 2025.

If the projection bears out, it would represent an increase of 64 percent over the number of people who had diabetes in 2010. The situation could lead to skyrocketing healthcare costs and decreased wellness for millions of people.

For the study, researchers from the Institute for Alternative Future in Alexandria, Virginia, used current trends in diabetes rates to develop estimates of how fast the number of people with the metabolic condition may grow in the future.

David Nash, editor-in-chief of the journal Population Health Management, which published the investigation, said the fact that 53 million may have diabetes in the near future is more than just a health problem. He described the situation as a potential national security threat.

Still, the researchers said there is time to change this grim future. In their projection, they built in variables that could allow public health researchers to test various prevention models.