I took a look at the obesity and diabetes rates for the county in which I saw the diabetes lifestyle magazine, Diabetes Forecast: Contra Costa county in northern California.
Obesity was 24%. Diabetes was a mere 6.6%.
From 2004 to 2008 obesity in Coco county (as it is affectionately referred) rose about 2% and diagnosed diabetes rose .4%.
For an unscientific comparison I looked at a state with among the highest rates of obesity and diabetes: Louisiana. I chose a mid-state parish, Grant parish. In 2008, adult obesity in Grant County was almost 32% and diabetes was 10.7%. Obesity rates rose over 4% and diabetes rose over 2% from 2004 to 2008.
The rates are going up in both places but faster in Grant county than in Coco county. What accounts for the difference? Diet? Exercise? Genetics? Diagnostic practices? Is it median household income? Coco county's is about $78,000 vs Grant parish at about $39,000.
Do the grocery chains in Grant parish have Diabetes Forecast for sale? If not, is this another example of income-based health disparity?
I don't have the answers but I'll have some of that Louisiana food! Just not every night.
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