The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus are increasing in the US, and so is the proportion of diabetics who are obese. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of adult-onset diabetes mellitus among Rochester, MN residents aged 45 years or more rose 48 percent between 1970 and 1990. The increase was greater for men, 65%, than for women, 37%.

Diabetes is a devastating illness. I suspect that we will continue to see an increased incidence as long as our country is fixated on the low fat myth. Large amounts of grains will only increase insulin levels which leads to increased weight. Fortuantely there are good solutions like the Heller's book on the Carbohydrate Addict Diet whic can virtually "cure" most type 2 diabetics.

Am J Epidemiol 1997;146:12-22.