Diabetes

Date posted: 08/22/2009

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. See Additional Information for more information on diabetes.

The data for Larimer County in this report were obtained through the Colorado Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) Colorado Health Information Dataset (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and Death Statistics). The CDPHE conducts approximately 1,000 telephone surveys each month to collect this data. 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, 2004-2008

Data Source:

• Centers for Disease Control (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) - United States & Colorado
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Larimer County

See data table

What these data tell us:

The rate for diabetes in Larimer County continues to stay below the rates for Colorado and the United States. For all five years depicted, the rate has exceeded the limit set by Healthy People 2010 of 2.5% or less and has continued to gradually increase. There are many potential factors 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). More information about Healthy People 2010 is available at the link.

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, 2004-2008

Data Source:

• Centers for Disease Control (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) - United States & Colorado
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Larimer County

See data table

What these data tell us:

Obesity rates in Larimer County increased by 46.2% between 2004 and 2008. Beginning in 2006, obesity rates in Larimer County exceeded the limits set by Healthy People 2010 of 15%. During the same period, obesity rates for the United States and Colorado increased at a slower rate of 15.1% and 13.7%, respectively. 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. The Centers for Disease Control has a BMI calculator you can use to determine your BMI.

What this chart shows: Population Meeting Physical Activity Standards for Diabetes Prevention & Control, 2001-2007

Data Source(s):

• Centers for Disease Control (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System) - United States & Colorado
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Larimer County

See data table

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 2007. While trends for physical activity in Weld County deteriorated in the period 2001-2007, 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, a Healthy People 2010 objective, is defined as 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).

Additional Information:

Disease Information

American Diabetes Association

There are three types of diabetes (and one important precursor):

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Gestational Diabetes: Occurs when blood glucose (sugar) levels are high during pregnancy. About 4% of pregnant women develop Gestational Diabetes.
4. 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 with diabetes or just want more information on how to manage your diabetes, the American Diabetes Association website contains useful information.

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On Compass -

• Adult Alcohol Use
• Adult Tobacco Use
• Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke Mortality
• Mortality
• 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
• Depression and Diabetes, American Diabetes Association

Standards or Targets:

Healthy People 2010:

• 5.3. Reduce the overall rate of diabetes that is clinically diagnosed to 25 per 1,000 population.
• 19.2. Reduce the proportion of adults (age 20+) who are obese to 15%.
• 22-2. Increase the proportion of adults (age 18+) who engage regularly, preferably daily, in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes per day to 30%.
• 5-5. Reduce the diabetes death rate to 45 deaths per 100,000 population.

Data Tables:

Diabetes Rates for the United States, Colorado & Larimer County

	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
United States	7.1%	7.3%	7.5%	8.0%	8.3%
Colorado	4.3%	4.8%	5.4%	5.3%	6.0%
Larimer County	3.1%	3.9%	4.1%	4.6%	5.7%

See chart

Obesity Rates for the United States, Colorado & Larimer County

	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
United States	23.2	24.4	25.1	26.3	26.7
Colorado	16.8	17.8	18.2	19.3	19.1
Larimer County	13.0	14.0	17.0	17.0	19.0

See chart

Population Meeting Physical Activity Standards for Diabetes Prevention & Control

	2001	2003	2005	2007
United States	46.1%	47.2%	48.7%	49.5%
Colorado	53.2%	55.0%	54.4%	54.7%
Larimer	51.0%	58.0%	52.0%	44.0%
Boulder	66.0%	69.0%	62.8%	50.0%
Weld	55.0%	49.0%	47.8%	34.0%

See chart

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