Growing number of people with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes.
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KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor 
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — We are seeing a growing number of people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before they turn 40-years-old. This is a problem that most medical experts have been worrying about for at least two decades and it can be seen as a direct result of the fact that we have an obesity epidemic in this country. 

The reason this is a big deal is because when people are diagnosed with type two diabetes, there is an increased risk of the damage that diabetes can cause including heart disease and nerve damage. Over time, the kidneys and vision can be affected as well. 

30 million people in United States have diabetes according to the CDC, and a growing number of efforts are underway to help encourage young people to eat healthier.