Case study: NYC works to manage diabetes

New York City has launched a collection of programs designed to tame its diabetes problem, noting that diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death there. The city's efforts may offer interesting lessons for the rest of the U.S., given the challenge inherent in reaching its large and diverse population.

City officials say that diabetes if the fifth-leading cause of death there, in addition to contributing to other causes. Meanwhile, a study led by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, published early this year, concluded that the prevalence of diabetes in the city was 12.5 percent. Almost 4 percent have not been diagnosed, researchers project.

Unfortunately, many of these patients aren't getting adequate healthcare. More than one-third of NYC adults with diabetes hadn't gotten a foot or eye exam in the past year, and 56 percent had never taken a diabetes self-management class, the city's research indicates.

To help address this crisis, the city has been maintaining a citywide registry of blood sugar readings intendede to help doctors improve diabetes management. It's also been requiring chain restaurants there to post calorie counts for its meals, and making fresh fruits and vegetables available in underserved neighborhoods.

To learn more about this research:
- read this study on diabetes in NYC
- read this UPI piece
- read this city health department press release

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