Around 50 percent of the United States' adults have developed diabetes or pre-diabetes, a condition of higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, based on a new study's findings. Researchers also found that over one-third of those with diabetes were undiagnosed, and the rate was especially high among Asian-Americans.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducted the study. It was published in the journal of the American Medical Association.
The latest data was collected from the years 2011 and 2012. Around half of Asian-Americans were unaware that they had diabetes.
Researchers analyzed the data of studies from 1988 to 2012. They included over 26,000 U.S. adult volunteers.
The studies' participants were asked if they had received a diabetes diagnosis. They also submitted blood samples so the scientists could examine the volunteers' blood sugar levels.
Diabetes cases spiked from under 10 percent from 1988 to 1994, to over 12 percent from 2011 to 2012. The causes were linked to unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and obesity, according to NBC News.
Diabetes rates were the highest among senior citizens. About one-third of adults at least 65 years old had the medical condition.
Roughly half of Latinos and Asian-Americans were unaware they had diabetes. The figure was 37 percent of blacks, and about one-third of whites.
The high rates of undiagnosed diabetes among Asian-Americans could be due to the ethnic group frequently developing type 2 diabetes at a body mass index (BMI) lower than other groups, according to Live Science. Thus, they are screened less often.
NIDDK director Dr. Griffin Rodgers said that learning about diabetes sufferers will improve the disease's research and prevention. Treatments only benefit diagnosed people.
Diabetes is among the top-10 causes of death in the U.S. The study's researchers explained that it can also increase patients' risk of strokes and heart disease, and can eventually lead to blindness and kidney failure.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common variety of the ailment. The body becomes irresponsive to the hormone insulin, resulting in higher blood sugar levels. Researchers stressed the need for more testing and education.
This video explains what prediabetes is: