Diabetes is characterized by blood sugar levels that are above normal due to defects in insulin production from pancreatic beta cells, insulin action, or both. Diabetes can lead to severe complications and even death if improperly controlled. Complications include heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputation of lower limbs. Approximately 37 million, or one in ten, Americans have diabetes and the prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing. In fact, a report in Population Health Metrics predicts that the diabetes prevalence will triple and that up to one in three Americans will have diabetes by 2050. Of note, Alabama has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the nation at around 15 percent.
Aside from the human suffering, the health care costs of diabetes are also extremely high. The yearly cost of diabetes is $327 billion.
If you are currently a patient, please contact the UAB Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Clinic:
- Pediatric Clinic: 205-934-5275
- Transitional Clinic: -205-996-ENDO (3636)
- Adult Clinic: 205-996-ENDO (3636)
- Multidisciplinary Clinic and Transitional Clinic: 205-996-ENDO (3636)
Kirklin Clinic, 4th floor
2000 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233-0271
Fax for medical records: 205-801-8798