NEW YORK, June 10 (Xinhua) -- The New York City Health Department on Monday released a new report which states that the number of diabetes-related deaths in the City for 2011 was 5,695, an all-time high.
According to the report, these deaths include those for which diabetes is classified as the underlying cause of death as well as those for which diabetes is classified as a contributing cause. Even as the overall death rate in New York City continues to decline, diabetes-related deaths continue to increase.
Since 1990, the proportion of all New York City deaths related to diabetes nearly doubled, from 6.0 percent in 1990 to 10.8 percent in 2011. Overall, one person dies of diabetes-related causes every 90 minutes, adding up to 16 deaths a day in New York City, said the report.
"Diabetes is a condition that too many people live with and die from," said Health Commissioner Thomas Farley. "It is linked to our epidemic of obesity, and like obesity, it can be prevented."
Sugary drinks are associated with obesity and with increased risk of developing diabetes. To address the obesity and diabetes epidemics, the Health Department has launched initiatives such as Green Carts and Shop Healthy to increase access to healthy foods, and proposed an amendment to the Board of Health to reduce the portion sizes of sugary drinks at food service establishments.
In conjunction with the release of the report, the Health Department is launching a radio ad campaign educating New Yorkers about the risks of diabetes.
The ad informs people that diabetes risk can be lowered by maintaining a healthy weight through being active, eating healthy and cutting out sugary drinks.
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