Diabetes
Date posted: 05/01/2008
Quick Data Links
- Diabetes Rates in the United States, Colorado, & Larimer County, 2002-2006
- Obesity Rates in the United States, Colorado, & Larimer County, 2000-2006
- Population Meeting Physical Activity Standards for Diabetes Prevention & Control, 2001-2007
- Diabetes Rate by Age Group in Colorado, 1995-2007
- Diabetes Rate by Race/ Ethnicity in the United States, Colorado, & Larimer County, 2007
- Death Attributable to Diabetes (per 100,000) in the United States, Colorado, & Larimer County, 1997-2006
Diabetes is a serious condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or is unable to effectively use the insulin that is produced (Type 2 diabetes). Insulin is a hormone, manufactured in the pancreas that is needed to convert food (sugars, starches, etc.) into energy. For more information on diabetes, click here.
The local data (Colorado & Larimer County) in this report were mainly obtained through the Colorado Public Health & Environment Colorado Health Information Dataset (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and Death Statistics). All rates, with the exception of death rates, are prevalence rates, meaning the best estimate of the percentage of all cases in the area. Death rates are age-adjusted (used to provide a basis of comparison for two groups).
What this chart shows:
Diabetes Rates in the United States, Colorado, & Larimer County, 2002-2006
Data Source:
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)- United States Data
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment- Colorado & Larimer County
What these data tell us:
The rate for diabetes in Larimer County continues to stay below the rates for Colorado and the United States. In 2002, the rate exceeded the limit set by Healthy People 2010 (rates of diagnosed diabetes at 2.5% or less) and has continued to gradually increase. There are many potential reasons for the increase such as: behavioral factors (poor dietary choices, decreased physical activity, and increased rates of obesity), demographic changes (aging population, increasing at-risk populations, increasing numbers of people with low incomes) and changes in healthcare and health awareness (improving abilities in detection and patient awareness). Click here to learn more about Healthy People 2010.Risk Factors for Diabetes include:
- Those that can be changed such as being overweight or obese and being physically inactive.
- Those that cannot be changed such as age, race/ ethnicity, as well as family and personal history.
Click on the Diabetes Risk Test to determine your risk.
What this chart shows: Obesity Rates in the United States, Colorado, & Larimer County, 2000-2006
*US data based on 2-year rates (1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004 & 2005-2006).
Data Source:
- National Center for Health Statistics- United States Data
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment- Colorado & Larimer County Data
What these data tell us:
Obesity rates in Larimer County increased from 2002 to 2006 and exceeded the limits set by Healthy People 2010 (15% or less meeting criteria for obesity) in 2006. During the same period (2002-2006), obesity rates for the United States and Colorado increased as well. As discussed in the section on rates of diabetes, reasons for this trend are complex (including factors related to heredity, behavior and environment).People who have extra weight in the upper part of their body (particularly around the abdomen) are at higher risk for diabetes. Classifications of overweight and obesity are calculated from an individual's height and weight (Body Mass Index or BMI). People with a BMI ranging from 25-29.9 are considered overweight, while people with a BMI over 30 are considered obese. To determine your BMI click here.
* 2007 data not available for Larimer, Boulder and Weld counties at the time of the update.
Data Source(s):
- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)- United States & Colorado Data
- Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment- County Level Data
What these data tell us:
All geographic areas observed, including Larimer County, met Healthy People 2010 objectives of 30% or more of population engaging in regular physical activity in 2005. This trend continued for the United States and Colorado in 2007 (Data for Larimer, Boulder and Weld counties were not available at the time of this update). While trends for physical activity in Weld County deteriorated in the period 2001-2005, the United States showed a gradual improvement from 2001-2007. The other areas did not appear to follow any specific pattern.Individuals who are not physically active are at higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Physical activity helps with weight control, builds muscle, and improves blood flow, making cells more sensitive to insulin. The physical activity standard, selected from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), was participation in regular moderate activity (5 or more days a week, for 30 minutes a day or more) or vigorous activity (3 or more days a week for 20 minutes or more) (U.S. Physical Activity Statistics). This option was selected because of its similarities to physical activity recommendations given on the CDC website (Recommendations for Adults).
Additional Information:
Disease Information
There are three types of diabetes (and one important precursor):
- Type 1 Diabetes: Occurs when the body does not produce insulin (usually diagnosed in children and young adults). This type of diabetes generally occurs in youth.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Occurs when the body does not respond properly to insulin and no action is taken. This type of diabetes traditionally occurs in adulthood (although the numbers for youth are rising) and is preventable. Almost 90-95% of the 14.6 million Americans diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.
- Gestational Diabetes: Occurs when blood glucose (sugar) levels are high during pregnancy. About 4% of pregnant women develop Gestational Diabetes.
- Pre-diabetes (insulin resistance): the body does not respond properly to insulin, but blood glucose levels are not high enough to be classified as Type 2 Diabetes. Detection of pre-diabetes is important because it acts as a warning that unless something is done Type 2 diabetes may occur. Approximately 54 million people in the United States have pre-diabetes.
If you were recently diagnosed or just want more information on how to manage your diabetes, click here.
On Compass -
- Adult Alcohol Use
- Adult Tobacco Use
- Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Mortality
- Mortality and Life Expectancy
- Overweight and Obesity
- Prenatal Care
Outside Compass -
- American Diabetes Association
- Healthy People 2010
- Centers for Disease Control - Diabetes Public Health Resource
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Diabetes Prevention and Control Program
- FortNet - Health Resources
- Health District of Northern Larimer County - Health Promotion Services
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- WebMD Health - Diabetes page
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Tools and Resources for Diabetes Prevention & Control, Colorado Diabetes Prevention & Control Program
- Depression and Diabetes, American Diabetes Association
Standards or Targets:
- Reduce the overall rate of diabetes that is clinically diagnosed, Healthy People 2010.
- Reduce the Proportion of Adults who are Obese, Healthy People 2010.
- Increase the proportion of adults who engage regularly, preferably daily, in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day Healthy People 2010 (Recommended Minutes of Physical Activity, Diabetes Prevention Program).
- Diabetes death rate, Healthy People 2010
Data Tables:
Diabetes Rates for the United States, Colorado, & Larimer County, 2002-2006
|
|
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
United States |
6.5% |
6.6% |
7.0% |
7.4% |
7.8% |
|
Colorado |
4.4% |
4.7% |
4.3% |
4.8% |
5.4% |
|
Larimer County |
3.0% |
2.9% |
3.1% |
3.9% |
4.1% |
Obesity Rates for the United States, Colorado, & Larimer County, 2000-2006
|
|
2000 |
2002 |
2004 |
2006 |
|
United States |
31.0% |
31.0% |
32.0% |
34.0% |
|
Colorado |
14.0% |
17.0% |
17.0% |
20.0% |
|
Larimer County |
14.0% |
9.0% |
13.0% |
17.0% |
United States data based on 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004 and 2005-2006
Population Meeting Physical Activity Standards for Diabetes Prevention & Control, 2001-2007
|
2001 |
2003 |
2005 |
2007 |
|
|
United States |
46.1% |
47.2% |
48.7% |
49.2% |
|
Colorado |
53.2% |
55.0% |
54.4% |
54.7% |
|
Larimer |
51.0% |
58.0% |
52.0% |
NA |
|
Boulder |
66.0% |
69.0% |
62.8% |
NA |
|
Weld |
55.0% |
49.0% |
47.8% |
NA |