Each year, the Long Island Health Collaborative conducts research about the health of communities in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, using this information and additional sources to create the Population Health Dashboard. One important area we explore is weight and diabetes.
The Population Health Dashboard shows that as of 2014, 25% of adults in Long Island were obese. The numbers for children and adolescents were slightly lower, with 15% of kids in Nassau County and 18% in Suffolk County falling into the obese weight range.
In 2014, 391 people on Long Island died from complications related to diabetes, and over 13,000 people were hospitalized with diabetes as the primary diagnosis. But there’s a lot to know about diabetes because different types of the disease affect people differently. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, but it is also mostly preventable. By implementing a few lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight loss, a person with T2D can manage their disease.
Type 2 Diabetes: The Growing Diagnosis Across New York
Did you know that the best predictor of type 2 diabetes is weight? Obesity and diabetes are closely related; 90% of individuals living with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. In New York alone it is estimated that 2 million people have diabetes, and the percentage of individuals with diabetes has been growing. Plus, it is estimated over 500,000 people who have diabetes don’t even know.
What can you do?
To help prevent diabetes:
For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the steps are similar. Always consult your healthcare provider for both diagnosis and treatment, but the same steps that can help prevent diabetes, can also help with managing your disease.
Learn More About Healthy Lifestyles on Long Island
The LIHC focuses on improving the health of individuals living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. If you have diabetes or are at risk of developing diabetes, we can help. Looking for tips on staying healthy on Long Island? Check out our guide to starting a healthy lifestyle. Want to find additional resources to help with type 2 diabetes, weight, or developing an exercise plan? Visit our resources page.