Study: Diabetes Increases Risks For Heart Trouble

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Study: Diabetes Increases Risks For Heart Trouble
12/30/200
NY1

New Yorkers with diabetes are not doing enough to treat health problems, according to a study from the city health department.

The study shows that shows more than 90 percent of patients with diabetes have elevated blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar. The levels place them at higher risk of heart attacks, strokes and other complications.

The study, published online this week in the journal Diabetes Care, also finds 200,000 adults in the city have diabetes but do not know it.

The city health commissioner, Dr. Thomas Frieden, says the trend can be attributed to poor dieting.

"What has changed is the environment. We're drinking much more soda and sugar-sweetened beverages, we're eating more unhealthy food, and to a lesser extent we're getting less physical activity," said Frieden.

The study shows another 1.4 million New Yorkers have high enough blood sugar to place them at high risk of developing diabetes.

Meanwhile, the state health commissioner took his message to YouTube to discuss the proposed 18 percent tax on non-diet soda.

In the clip, Richard Daines says drinking three extra cans of sugary soda a week adds 13 pounds of sugar or 21,000 calories to the body a year.

He says the so-called "obesity tax" will not only raise money but also help decrease childhood obesity, saving the state loads of money in future healthcare costs.

"With the money we save, we could buy some new jogging shoes or maybe get back on the bicycle with the kids,” said Daines. “Our health will be better, our health care will cost less and every family will have more to spend on whatever they want."

As part of his online pitch, Daines also shows off a rubber blob symbolizing the six pounds of extra body fat soda can pack on in a year.