Diabetes Health Threat: Federal Spending Report Released
American citizens have a serious and increasing diabetes problem. One out of every eight health care dollars spent by the federal government in 2005 went toward diabetes treatment, according to a new federal spending report released by the Congressional Diabetes Caucus and the National Changing Diabetes Program. In sum, the federal expenditure on diabetes in 2005 was $80 billion (a larger amount than is spent annually on the entire U.S. Department of Education), and researchers believe one-third of diabetes cases are not yet diagnosed.
The report also notes that since 1980, the number of diabetic people in the U.S. has doubled, and is projected to double again by 2025. It suggests that federal spending can be curbed by focusing on education, prevention and early treatment of diabetes, and promotion of the evidence-based practices that reduce diabetes risk factors, control blood sugar and decrease diabetic complications that lead to disability. To reduce your likelihood of developing diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends that your monitor your weight, your diet and increase your level of physical activity. The group offers the following nutritional advice:
of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.
The report also notes that since 1980, the number of diabetic people in the U.S. has doubled, and is projected to double again by 2025. It suggests that federal spending can be curbed by focusing on education, prevention and early treatment of diabetes, and promotion of the evidence-based practices that reduce diabetes risk factors, control blood sugar and decrease diabetic complications that lead to disability. To reduce your likelihood of developing diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends that your monitor your weight, your diet and increase your level of physical activity. The group offers the following nutritional advice:
- "Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Try picking from the rainbow of colors available to maximize variety. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals.
- Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products. Try brown rice with your stir fry or whole wheat spaghetti with your favorite pasta sauce.
- Include dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils into your meals.
- Include fish in your meals 2-3 times a week.
- Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in 'loin' such as pork loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey.
- Choose non-fat dairy such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese.
- Choose water and calorie-free 'diet' drinks instead of regular soda, fruit punch, sweet tea and other sugar-sweetened drinks.
- Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Remember that fats are high in calories. If you're trying to lose weight, watch your portion sizes of added fats.
- Cut back on high calorie snack foods and desserts like chips, cookies, cakes, and full-fat ice cream.
- Eating too much of even healthful foods can lead to weight gain. Watch your portion sizes."
of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.