Diabetes Cases Rise Nationally, New Jersey Sees Focus on Innovative Management
As November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month, medical professionals are highlighting advancements in treatment and patient care amid a growing national diabetes epidemic.
Approximately 38.4 million Americans, representing 11.6% of the population, have been diagnosed with diabetes, including 693,000 adults in New Jersey, according to the American Diabetes Association. The disease disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic communities, who face nearly double the risk of developing diabetes compared to white adults, often leading to more severe complications. Early diagnosis and effective management are crucial, as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health issues like kidney disease and vision loss.
Dr. Jennifer Cheng, an endocrinologist at Hackensack Meridian Health’s Jersey Shore University Medical Center, notes a significant shift in diabetes care in recent years. “Diabetes care has changed dramatically in the last few years,” she said. “There are so many new tools and technologies that empower patients to take control of their health.” These include continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps, offering real-time feedback and greater control for patients, and new medications like Ozempic. For more information on diabetes and its impact, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s diabetes page.
Crystal Gonzalez, 38, of Paterson, New Jersey, experienced the challenges of a diabetes diagnosis firsthand. Initially diagnosed in 2023, she later developed Type 1 diabetes despite initial improvements with diet and medication. “It’s still a guessing game,” she admitted, but emphasized the importance of ongoing care, stating, “Diabetes is for life. There’s no finish line.” Hackensack Meridian Health offers comprehensive endocrinology services to support patients like Gonzalez.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of early detection through tests like Hemoglobin A1C, fasting glucose, and glucose tolerance tests, and are optimistic about new treatments that may delay the onset of Type 1 diabetes.
