A new report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research shows obesity is on the rise in California, and so is diabetes. The study reveals there was a 26 percent increase in diabetes between 2001 and 2007.
The UCLA report says there's been a steady rise in diabetes in California since 2001. The groups with the highest incidence of diabetes are African-Americans, Latinos, and American Indians.
But the study shows Californians of all races have been affected.
Lead researcher Allison Diamant says more than two million adults in the state have diabetes.
"And there's a possibility that even another one-third have diabetes, are walking around with it, but haven't received a diagnosis yet, and aren't being treated," Diamant said.
People with diabetes have an increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. Diamant's report estimates the annual cost of diabetes in California is $24 billion.
