ATLANTA – Newly diagnosed diabetes cases have almost doubled in the U.S., within the past 10 years, the government reported.

The highest increase is in the South, according to the state-to-state review of new diagnoses. The worst situation was in West Virginia, where 13 in 1,000 adults were diagnosed with diabetes in 2005-07. The lowest ratio was in Minnesota, where the rate was 5 out of 1,000.

The rate of new cases rose from about 5 per 1,000 in the mid-90s to 9 per 1,000 in the middle of current decade nationwide. Almost 90 percent of cases of type 2 diabetes were linked to obesity.

The findings second the trend seen in obesity and physical inactivity, two health measures where Southern states also placed at the bottom.

“It isn’t surprising the problem is heaviest in the South — no pun intended,” agreed Matt Petersen.

Diabetes has become the 7th leading cause of death in U.S, according to the CDC. More than 23 million Americans are diabetic, and the number is rapidly growing. About 1.6 million new cases were diagnosed among adults last year.

The study involved a random-digit-dialed survey of more than 260,000 adults. Participants were asked whether any doctor has suggested test for diabetes or when the diagnosis was made. The researchers had data for 40 states for the years 2005-07.

West Virginia, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Tennessee were at the top, all at 11 cases per 1,000 or higher. Puerto Rico was about as high as West Virginia. Minnesota, Hawaii and Wyoming had the lowest rates.