Death rate for diabetes shows big drop - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

There is encouraging news for people who suffer from diabetes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the death rate for diabetics dropped significantly from 1997 to 2006.  Deaths from heart disease and stroke related to diabetes dropped 40%, while overall deaths of diabetics declined by 23%.

The CDC says healthier lifestyles and better disease management get credit for the improvement.

Diabetes is still the seventh leading cause of death.