Diabetes Epidemic Hits New York as Obesity Rises
(Agence France Presse, 1/30/07)

NYC Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden reports that his department’s latest survey indicates that 12.5% of the city’s adult populations is diabetic and a third of those affected are unaware of their condition. The jump in diabetes incidence may reflect the increase in obesity, which has been steadily rising. Frieden notes that physical activity, diet and weight loss could help alleviate the life-threatening disease, which raises the risk of heart attack, blindness and amputation if left uncontrolled.