For at least 20 years, diabetes rates in North America have been increasing substantially.

The diabetes rate was relatively low in western Europe.

Dr. Frieden said the city would undertake an aggressive effort against the increase in diabetes rates.

Of those 34 neighborhoods, 22 already have diabetes rates above the national average, and the numbers are rising all over as the city continually remakes itself.

The diabetes rates among these raggedly lives are notably below those of the middle and upper classes.

They also weighed about the same and had no difference in diabetes rates, or in levels of insulin or blood sugar.

Among the men, increasing weight may be a factor, but the diabetes rate in women, who are not heavier overall, is rising comparably.

Now, as the nation's diabetes rate climbs, political pressure is mounting on the Food and Drug Administration to open the door to generic versions.

The diabetes rate is 33 percent higher among blacks than whites.

Not surprisingly, the Gallup poll shows that the states with the highest diabetes rates also had the highest obesity rates.