Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus affects 8.3% of the U.S. population and the prevalence, particularly of type 2 diabetes, is increasing alongside the growing overweight and obesity numbers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Consequently, this chronic condition has become a serious public health concern, as many diagnoses of type 2 diabetes are considered preventable through physical activity, proper diet, weight loss, and tobacco cessation. The lack of comprehensive surveillance methods at the state level contributes to the ineffectiveness at reducing the incidence of diabetes, as the geographic trends reveal continued disparities. Surveillance is a fundamental tool in pushing forward the movement against diabetes. Better tracking, unification of methods, and accessible data sources could raise awareness and allow policy makers, patients, researchers, and the public to recognize the grave burden of diabetes. Acquiring and distributing this information is critical at the state level, since each state has varying prevalence numbers and environmental factors. Individuals cannot be expected to make positive lifestyle modifications and properly manage their conditions if they are not provided with the opportunities to do so, and these opportunities can only come with improved surveillance methods, research, and funding. This paper examines the burden of diabetes (type 2) through its life span: the rise in the prevalence among youths, adult diabetes, complications of diabetes (diabetic retinopathy, end-stage renal disease, and lower limb amputations), and finally, death from diabetes. Findings from a literature and electronic search regarding current surveillance methods and data sources will be presented and the paper will conclude with recommendations for moving forward. Taking action to improve surveillance of diabetes and its complications would allow the cohesiveness necessary for states to effectively address this immense burden on society.Master of Public Healt