Final answer:
Diabetes significantly contributes to heart disease and kidney failure, especially when it is poorly controlled. A diet leading to obesity increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and complications from diabetes can be severe and life-threatening.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diabetes is a significant contributing factor to two major health problems in the United States: heart disease and kidney failure. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels, which over time may cause damage to the small blood vessels, resulting in various complications. This vascular damage is especially harmful to the heart and kidneys.
High calorie and high-fat diets, which are prevalent in the US, contribute to obesity. Obesity itself is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance and is associated with other indicators of metabolic syndrome, such as pre-diabetes conditions. To reduce the risk of diabetes and its complications, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
Unless diabetes is carefully monitored and controlled, the complications can be severe and life-threatening. Among these are the increased chances of having a heart attack or stroke, suffering from blindness, and experiencing kidney failure. The risk of death in adults with diabetes is also significantly higher compared to those without the disease.