Diabetes-related deaths in New York City are higher than they've ever been, according to Science World Report.
According to statistics from a recent study by the New York City Health Department, there are more people dying from diabetes than in recent years, or ever.
Officials said that in 2011 diabetes was the cause of 5,695 NYC deaths, that's 1,260 more than in 1990.
About 67 New Yorkers die from diabetes out of every 100,000, according to the federal Health and Human Services Department. In 2007, the national rate of diabetes-related deaths was at about 73 fatalities per 100,000 people.
About one person dies from diabetes every 90 minutes in NYC, according to City Guide.
"We're really experiencing an epidemic of diabetes and that's being driven by our epidemic of obesity," said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley, according to Science World Report. "Obesity rates continue to rise and diabetes is very strongly associated with obesity."
While the amount of New Yorkers who die from diabetes are below the national numbers, the fact that they're increasing is still a cause for concern. The city plans on launching radio campaigns and taking more action in general to spread information to those who are at risk for the disease.
"Fifty-seven hundred people are dying of diabetes-related causes," said Farley, according to NY-1. "That's the most we've ever had. And that means 11 percent of our deaths in New York City are related to diabetes."
Doctor's claim the best ways to prevent diabetes are to: eat a healthy diet, get exercise, and especially avoid sugary drinks.
"I've heard people say diabetes is one of those things everybody has," Farley said. "But you know what? Diabetes is not one of those things everybody has - it's not normal - it's absolutely preventable. The same way obesity is preventable."
