Diabetes rates rocket in Oklahoma, South

NEW YORK (AP) -- The nation's diabetes problem is getting worse, and health
officials say the biggest changes have been in Oklahoma and a number of Southern
states.
   The diabetes rate in Oklahoma more than tripled over 15 years, and also boomed
 in Southern states like Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama.
   Most cases are the kind of diabetes linked to obesity. Health officials believe
 extra weight explains the increases in the South and Southwest. They also say
 the rates overall are up because people with diabetes are living longer.
   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the state report Thursday.
   The diabetes rate more than doubled in several Northern states, too, including
Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio a
and Maine.
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   AP-WF-11-15-12 1712GMT