South Dakota has highest increase in diabetes cases

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – A report last week from the American Diabetes Association said that South Dakota had the highest increase in diabetes cases, with a rise of 66 percent over the last 10 years.

Mary Oyos is the Diabetes Program Manager for Avera Health and says life style changes are largely to blame.

Oyos says diet and lack of exercise are directly related to increased diabetes numbers.

Oyos says there are major health threats with untreated diabetes.

Oyos says many more people may have pre-diabetes, which can only be detected by a blood test.