Type II diabetes, the most common form and once typically diagnosed in later adulthood, is seen more frequently in younger adults and, alarmingly, in children. Hispanics, African-Americans and American Indians continue to be at least two times more likely to get diabetes than Caucasians, posing unique cultural challenges to prevention efforts. Though causes are still a mystery, genetic and environmental factors appear to be key. Experts largely blame the increase on the country's growing girth. It's a factor of weight gain.
People are heavier.
It's an education and awareness problem, but it's also a motivational problem. And it's not a way I want to die. Lopez is one of 1.2 million Mexican-Americans who, according to the American Diabetes Association, have the chronic illness. Hispanics are twice as likely to get Type II diabetes as non-Hispanics. I think the problem with diabetes is it doesn't hurt.