Comptroller: Diabetes on the rise in low-income areas

Type 2 diabetes continues to hospitalize an increasing number of Bronx residents, according to a report released by the city comptroller.
Comptroller William Thompson Jr.'s staff studied health conditions among low-income city residents using data from 1990 to 2005. In the Bronx, Fordham, High Bridge, Hunts Point, Morrisania, Mott Haven and Tremont have had the most dramatic rise.
"Equally disturbing, we found the poorest neighborhoods had the fewest number of primary care physicians per capita," Thompson said.
The study recommends more clinics open in drug stores to make health care more accessible. Thompson also wants savings from hospital mergers and closures to go toward community-based health providers. Other recommendations include creating a statewide diabetes task force and expanding physical education in schools.
Thompson also found the infant mortality rate is on the decline, with the second-largest drop in High Bridge and Morrisania.
Related information:The New York City Office of the Comptroller