So, it turns out that if you live in a rural area, then you are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
In fact, the prevalence among rural communities is so high that the Southeastern and Midwestern states have been cutely nicknamed the “diabetes belt” in the US. These states are not as densely populated as the coastal states, making much of the land very rural.
It’s not just a coincidence, either. More than 11 percent of the population in these areas have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. That is a full 2 percent higher than the national average.
If 2 percent doesn’t seem like that much to you, that’s hundreds of thousands of people more diagnosed in these states than anywhere else in the country.
Why the Diabetes Belt is More at Risk
This isn’t just a coincidence. The strip of rural counties in the middle of the United States has a few characteristics of its culture that makes it particularly vulnerable to diabetes.
First, the education in these areas is some of the worst in the entire country. This holds true for health and wellness education, too. There is a general lack of knowledge in rural areas that can contribute to making poor choices regarding food.
In no mere coincidence to education, household income is lower than the national average. A lower income pushes people into more packaged foods, which come filled with toxic ingredients.
Generally, the culture in rural areas celebrates an unhealthy lifestyle. Buffet-style restaurants, fried food, and TV marathons are a part of daily habits in rural areas, each contributing to an unhealthy lifestyle. This mentality seems to banish any potential concern for the future and potential health risks.
So, what are the options if you live in a rural area?
Educate yourself. Speak with a health care professional about getting a screening. Walk every evening after dinner. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eat less meat and processed carbohydrates.
These things are not drastic nor difficult, so you can significantly reduce your risk of diabetes right now.
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