Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in North Carolina and the 4th leading cause of death among African Americans.
Nearly one in five North Carolinians has diabetes or is at high risk of developing it. As with many other chronic diseases,
diabetes mortality rates are higher for men compared to women and higher among African Americans compared to whites.
In Durham, diabetes it the 4th leading cause of death. Approximately 9.4% of adults have diabetes. For every
person who is diagnosed with the disease, another has it and has not been diagnosed. Early detection and prevention
are important.
Risks for diabetes include:
- Family history
- obesity
- sedentary lifestyle
- minority (African American, Hispanic etc.)
- history of high blood pressure
Don't wait for signs. Most people with diabetes do not notice any symptoms. However, if you have any of these symptoms,
contact your health care provider right away:
- being very thirsty
- urinating often
- tiredness and fatigue
- hunger
- blurred vision
- losing weight without trying
Diabetes numbers to know...
