HEALTH

Chronic diseases such as diabetes are among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. Although chronic diseases are among the most common and costly health problems, they are also among the most preventable.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce, or properly use, insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be elusive, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles in adult-onset diabetes. Uncontrolled diabetes can have serious consequences. However, diabetes is often a manageable chronic condition.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in 2014, 29.1 million people in the U.S. had diabetes and another 8.1 million people had diabetes and were undiagnosed. It was also estimated by the CDC that over 25% of people in the U.S. who have diabetes are undiagnosed. With such a large part of the population with or at risk for diabetes, monitoring community-wide trends is important to inform public health policies and interventions.

This indicator measures the share of adults in Walla Walla County aged 18 and over who have been told by a medical professional that they have diabetes. Washington State is offered as a benchmark.