North Carolina's diabetes rates climb despite new treatments

Charlotte, North Carolina. The state sits within the region doctors call the diabetes belt, a geographic area where health officials report elevated rates of the disease. Novant Health endocrinologist Dr. Adam Spitz stated that diagnoses continue to rise even as new medications enter the market. He noted that the condition is the leading cause of kidney disease and amputation in the United States.

Dr. Spitz provided specific numbers for the state's current status. He said approximately one million people in North Carolina have a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes. He estimated an additional 250,000 residents live with the condition without knowing it. Dr. Spitz described this hidden population as a source of concern because they can develop complications before receiving treatment.

The complications associated with undiagnosed diabetes include heart disease, advanced kidney failure, and eye disease. The American Diabetes Association identifies Type 2 diabetes as the primary cause of non-traumatic amputations in the country. Dr. Spitz explained that the risk factors often involve lifestyle elements, with obesity being a major contributor. He pointed out that access to care and health education remain uneven, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Andrew Tucker serves as a local example of the daily management required for Type 2 diabetes. He was diagnosed at age 35 after maintaining a high weight of 250 pounds while attending graduate school. Tucker said he followed medical advice to change his diet and start exercising. He lost more than 30 pounds, but the disease remained present in his body. Tucker attributed the persistence of the condition to his family history, noting that both his father and grandfather had diabetes.

Tucker currently uses a continuous glucose monitor to track his blood sugar in real time. He recently recorded a medical appointment where a doctor reviewed his progress. The physician noted in the video that Tucker's average sugar level was 129, which represented an improvement over previous readings. Tucker said he bikes and stays active to maintain these levels. He said the routine is a constant effort that he compares to a battle fought every hour.

The number of residents at risk extends beyond those already diagnosed. Dr. Spitz estimated that three million people in North Carolina have prediabetes. He described this group as being at a critical decision point where they can either progress to full diabetes or prevent the disease through intervention. Doctors say prevention typically requires sustained changes in diet and physical activity. Many patients find it difficult to maintain these habits over the long term.

Dr. Spitz acknowledged that newer drugs, including GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, have helped many patients manage their blood sugar. However, he said these treatments do not solve the issue of limited healthcare access. He emphasized that education on healthy lifestyles is still lacking in many parts of the state. The CDC estimates that 11 million people nationwide live with undiagnosed diabetes, a number that underscores the scale of the problem in regions like the Southeast.