The prevalence of diabetes shot up 26% in California in just six years and most of the state’s residents are now overweight, according to a study from UCLA.
The research, culled from state health survey data, finds 7.8% of adult Californians had diabetes in 2007, compared with 6.2% in 2001. Thirty-four percent are overweight, and 23% obese.
All racial and ethnic groups experienced increases, though rates among American Indians, African-Americans and Latinos were disproportionately large. Both conditions were also more common among the poor, but all income groups as well saw increases.
The striking numbers illustrate the need for radical measures, the study’s authors say.
“When so many people of different ages, income and educational levels, and cultural backgrounds are struggling with obesity and diabetes, it suggests that going on a diet is not enough,” said co-author Allison Diamant in a press release announcing the results. “We need to take a hard look at the environmental and structural factors that contribute to these conditions.”
Among the study’s recommendations are increasing access to recreational facilities and parks, promoting policies to foster farmers markets and generally improve access to healthy food.
Diabetes is estimated to cost the state $24 billion annually, with $17 billion spent on direct medical care and $7 billion on indirect costs associated with the disease.
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