Nearly 11 million Americans are living with diabetes without knowing it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That hidden pool puts the nation at risk for heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss and amputations before patients ever receive a diagnosis.
North Carolina’s Share of the Undiagnosed
Dr. Adam Spitz, an endocrinologist with Novant Health, says North Carolina alone has about one million residents diagnosed with diabetes. He estimates another 250,000 people in the state have the disease but remain undiagnosed.
“Undiagnosed patients can begin developing serious complications without realizing they have diabetes,” Dr. Spitz told InvestigateTV. Early detection is critical because Type 2 diabetes develops when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively, often driven by obesity, family history and genetics.
Personal Story Highlights the Challenge
Andrew Tucker, a 40‑year‑old resident, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 35 after gaining weight while juggling graduate school and long work hours. He lost more than 30 pounds through diet and exercise, yet the disease persisted. Tucker now monitors his blood sugar continuously, rides his bike daily and keeps his average glucose at 129 mg/dL, according to his doctor.
His experience illustrates that even with lifestyle changes, diabetes requires lifelong management. Family history also plays a role; Tucker’s father and grandfather both had the condition.
Prediabetes: A Larger Warning Sign
Dr. Spitz also warns that roughly three million North Carolinians have prediabetes—blood‑sugar levels higher than normal but not yet meeting the diabetes threshold. Those individuals have a real opportunity to lower their risk through sustained healthy eating, regular physical activity and weight management.
However, maintaining such changes can be especially difficult in rural and underserved communities where access to health care and nutrition education is limited.
Barriers to Treatment and New Options
Newer medications, such as GLP‑1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic and Wegovy), have helped some patients control both blood sugar and weight. Yet doctors say cost and insurance coverage remain obstacles for many Americans.
Because diabetes is the nation’s seventh‑leading cause of death and the leading cause of kidney disease, the CDC’s estimate of nearly 11 million undiagnosed cases underscores a public‑health crisis that demands broader screening, education and affordable treatment options.
What Residents Can Do
Common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, persistent fatigue, and frequent urination. People experiencing these signs should consult a health‑care provider for testing. Even without obvious symptoms, routine screening is advisable, especially for those with risk factors such as obesity, a family history of diabetes, or advancing age.
Community health centers, churches and local organizations can play a vital role by offering free or low‑cost screening events, sharing nutrition education and encouraging active lifestyles. By bringing awareness to the hidden prevalence of diabetes, North Carolina can help its residents catch the disease early and avoid costly complications.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
