According to the online edition of Time Magazine, the November 27, 2009 edition, researchers at the University of Chicago estimate that the number of diabetic Americans will double in the next 25 years.

Currently, 23.7 million Americans are diabetic. This number is expected to rise to somewhere near 44.1 million by 2034. Medical and pharmaceutical costs are expected to triple from the current $113 billion to somewhere near $336 billion. Researchers caution that these estimates may be too conservative. University of Chicago researchers say the figures they published in the December 2009 issue of Diabetic Care are estimated, based on current obesity levels remaining fairly constant over the next 30 years. The study authors based their figures on the obesity trends coming into a plateau, then declining by 2033. If research estimates are inaccurate the number of cases and their resulting costs could escalate.

Past estimates grossly underestimated how fast the surge in new diabetic cases would grow. Researching is showing a growing correlation between obesity, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. If the trend continues, we will have a health crisis on our hand of mammoth proportions. Currently, there are two million American who weigh over 500 pounds.

It is curious how such alarming numbers come about because Diabetes is one of the most easily preventable chronic diseases. Unfortunately, we eat too much of the wrong foods, we get too little exercise and sleep and we do not manage stress well.

Until each of us is motivated to look after our own health and eat in a more sensible way, we will become a nation of diabetics or those waiting to become one.