Many diabetes drugs in development

RALEIGH, N.C., May 19 (UPI) -- A new report says there are a record number of diabetes medications being developed in the United States, either in clinical trials or awaiting approval.

The report, prepared by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, reports U.S. pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies are testing a record 183 new diabetes medicines.

The report was released Tuesday during a Raleigh, N.C., news conference

"We released this report in North Carolina because of the alarming rise in the number of new cases of diabetes in the state," PhRMA Senior Vice President Ken Johnson said. "Diabetes is a major health problem in North Carolina, where an estimated 600,000 people suffer from the disease."

He said, nationwide, diabetes affects more than 30 million people -- about 8 percent of the U.S. population -- with new cases increasing more than 90 percent among adults during the last 10 years.

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. The cause of diabetes has not been determined.