Diabetes is a substantial public health challenge in the United States, impacting many individuals and families.
Current Prevalence of Diabetes in the U.S.
As of 2021, approximately 38.4 million people in the United States, or about 11.6% of the population, had been diagnosed with diabetes. This figure includes both type 1 and type 2 diabetes cases, with type 2 accounting for the vast majority.
A considerable portion of the population lives with undiagnosed diabetes. An estimated 8.7 million adults (22.8% of all adults with diabetes) remain undiagnosed, potentially delaying necessary medical intervention.
Prediabetes is even higher, affecting 97.6 million adults aged 18 or older. Prediabetes signifies higher-than-normal blood sugar levels not yet classified as type 2 diabetes.
Demographic Patterns and Trends
Diabetes prevalence varies across demographic groups. Older adults experience higher rates. For instance, about 29.2% of adults aged 65 or older have diagnosed diabetes.
Racial and ethnic backgrounds also show disparities. Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native adults have higher rates than non-Hispanic White adults, reflecting genetic predispositions, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare access.
Socioeconomic status also influences rates, as lower incomes or less education can hinder access to healthy foods and medical care. Geographic distribution of diabetes can also be observed, with certain regions exhibiting higher prevalence rates.
Historically, diagnosed diabetes prevalence in the U.S. has increased over decades, attributed to an aging population, lifestyle changes, and improved diagnostics. While the rate of increase has slowed, the total number of affected individuals remains substantial.
Broader Impact of Diabetes Statistics
High diabetes prevalence in the U.S. has extensive consequences for individual health and the healthcare system. Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to severe health complications affecting various organ systems.
Complications include cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart attacks, strokes) due to blood vessel damage, and kidney failure, often requiring dialysis or transplantation. Diabetes can also cause vision loss, including diabetic retinopathy, and nerve damage (neuropathy), leading to pain, numbness, weakness, foot ulcers, and amputations. These complications significantly impact quality of life and longevity.
Beyond personal health, diabetes imposes considerable economic strain. In 2022, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. was $413 billion. This includes direct medical costs (e.g., hospitalizations, medications, physician visits) and indirect costs like lost productivity due to disability, premature mortality, and reduced work capacity. The financial impact extends to individuals, families, and the healthcare system.