Andrew Tucker and Dr. Adam Spitz point to 11 million Americans with unknown diabetes
While 40 million people manage the disease, the CDC estimates 11 million remain undiagnosed, with North Carolina cited as a hotspot for high rates.
By Anthony Foster ·
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 11 million Americans live with diabetes without knowing it.
Diabetes ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is the primary cause of kidney disease. Nationally, about 40 million people live with the condition. Doctors note that the disease can lead to serious complications, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, nerve damage, and amputations. The American Diabetes Association identifies Type 2 diabetes as the leading cause of amputation in the country.
North Carolina is frequently described as part of the diabetes belt, a region with higher prevalence rates. Novant Health endocrinologist Dr. Adam Spitz stated that roughly one million residents in the state have a diagnosis. He estimated that another 250,000 people have undiagnosed diabetes, which he described as frightening because patients can develop complications without awareness. Spitz noted that while medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have aided many, access remains difficult for those in rural or underserved areas.
Spitz said an estimated 3 million people in North Carolina have prediabetes. He characterized this group as being at a fork in the road, where they can either progress to diabetes or prevent it through sustained changes in diet and exercise. He added that many patients struggle to maintain these lifestyle adjustments over the long term.
Andrew Tucker, who was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 35, has lived with the disease for nearly two decades. At the time of his diagnosis, Tucker weighed about 250 pounds while balancing graduate school and a demanding work schedule. He followed medical advice to change his diet and exercise, resulting in a weight loss of more than 30 pounds, but the diabetes persisted. Tucker attributed the condition to heredity, noting that both his father and grandfather had diabetes. He described managing the disease as a daily, almost hourly, battle.
Tucker currently uses a continuous glucose monitor to track his blood sugar in real time. He recently recorded a doctor’s visit in which his provider told him his average blood sugar was 129, an improvement from his previous readings. Tucker said his motivation is to stay healthy long enough to enjoy his life and avoid the severe outcomes he has observed in others.
Common signs of undiagnosed diabetes include excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, and frequent urination. Doctors advise individuals experiencing these symptoms to consult a physician for further testing.
