Diabetes overview, on-demand

Diabetes is getting worse—no news there. But if you want to see how the disease is becoming more prevalent down to the county level, check out this interactive map at Slate.com.

You’ll see that the rate in Hamilton County jumped from 7.1 percent in 2004 to 8.5 percent in 2008. In Marion County, the rate shot from 8.5 percent to 9.8 percent.

But for a real eye-opener, look farther south. Most counties in Kentucky have tipped into double digits, and Alabama and Mississippi are in even worse shape.

The map in some cases shows differences along state borders, which raises questions whether the rates are influenced by varying levels of testing and reporting. Nevertheless, the overall trajectory is clear.

Care to share any thoughts?