U.S. Predicts Diabetes Epidemic to Go On Unchecked

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"Among those who were inaccurate about their risk, 69 percent thought they were at low risk for developing diabetes, when, in fact, they were at risk," she said. "And 31 percent thought they were at risk."

Azzarello said older people tended to be a bit more optimistic about their odds of avoiding diabetes.

"Young people were a little more pessimistic," Azzarello said. "That was worrying. Not only because of needless worry, but if you think that you are going to get diabetes no matter what you do, then people would maybe not be inclined to live a healthy lifestyle. But if you live a healthy lifestyle, you are probably not going to get diabetes."

More information

For more information on diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association.