As Americans age, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes is expected to increase rapidly in the coming decades.
McKinsey analysts predicted that age-related diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease could increase by 60% globally by 2040. By then, one in six people around the world will be over 60 years old.
Leanna Jones, a registered nurse at CanXida, said the number of diabetes and other age-related diseases will increase within 20 years due to a combination of lifestyle factors, dietary patterns and societal changes.
Lifestyle can exacerbate the problem, especially in America.
“American lifestyles often result in less physical activity due to the convenience of technology, sedentary jobs, and increased screen time,” Jones said. Newsweek. “Lack of physical activity is a known risk factor for various age-related diseases, including diabetes.”
The typical American diet tends to be high in processed foods, refined sugars and unhealthy fats, Jones said. Together, these can create the perfect storm of obesity and insulin resistance.
However, this does not mean that environmental factors are not present.
“Exposure to preservatives, additives and toxins in the environment and food supply may also play a role in the increase in chronic disease,” Jones said. “These substances can affect metabolic processes and cause inflammation.”
Depression and anxiety are often associated with overeating and sleep deprivation, contributing to a global health crisis, so even increasing rates of depression and anxiety can lead to disease onset. rates may increase.
Diabetes generally occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin to regulate sugar levels in the bloodstream. Type 1 occurs primarily in children when cells in the pancreas are damaged, while type 2 can occur after years of poor diet and physical activity levels. At this point, your body struggles to respond to insulin.
According to the CDC, approximately 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes. This figure continues to increase with obesity, he represents 11.6% of the population.
In addition to an aging population, the CDC predicted that as many as 220,000 young people could have type 2 diabetes by 2060, a staggering 700 percent increase.
“This new study should serve as a wake-up call to all of us,” said Debra Aury, CDC Acting Deputy Director. It is extremely important that we do so.” In a statement.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted how important it is to address chronic diseases such as diabetes. This further highlights the importance of continued efforts in prevention and control.”
what the future will look like
If the incidence of age-related diseases such as diabetes soars by more than 60 percent in a few decades, the health care system could undergo major changes.
Jones said this could lead to an even greater need for medical interventions, medications and long-term care, making health care costs much higher for the average American. “We may need to reallocate medical resources to address this issue.” Chronic disease. This may affect the availability of medical services for other medical conditions. ”
According to Kirat Karode, CEO of HealCo and Pinewood Family Care Co., the alarming rise in age-related illnesses is due to a lack of direct primary care between independent physician networks and employers. The company says it shows the need for transformative change in the health care system. It has become indispensable.
“The prevalence of chronic diseases threatens to overwhelm health infrastructure, deepen health disparities, and impose significant economic burdens through rising health costs and reduced labor productivity,” Karode said. Newsweek.
rare knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, finding common ground and finding connections.
