More than 37 million Americans are living with diabetes; another 96 million are pre-diabetic, making it among the most widespread health conditions in the U.S. It can also be among the most debilitating — when not well-managed, it can cause heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and even lower limb amputation. However, for the millions dealing with type 2 diabetes, it is also one of the most treatable chronic diseases.

In an effort to raise awareness around the issue, Spectrum News National Health Reporter Erin Billups joined Errol Louis to talk about their new collaborative special report “USA1C: Fighting the Rise of Diabetes,” which is currently airing on Spectrum News nationally.

The conversation covered “the social determinants of health” — a recognition that income and education levels and where people live are just as important as genetics. They also discussed Erin’s trip to the diabetes belt that stretches along the Mississippi Delta, where she met Dr. Faluso Fakorede, a leading advocate in the fight against diabetes. And they weighed in on their experiences here in New York where Mayor Eric Adams has advocated for systemic change in health care.

After their conversation, you can listen to the special in its entirety.

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