Diabetes Mellitus Facts and Statistics

Diabetes is a health condition in which the body is unable to properly use glucose (sugar) for energy resulting in high levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia). There are two types of diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can no longer produce insulin and thus glucose is unable to enter the cells for use as energy. In Type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce an adequate amount of insulin or the body cannot respond properly to insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. Individuals with hyperglycemia usually experience signs and symptoms of frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), and excessive hunger (polyphagia).

• 25.8 million children and adults in the United States, 8.3% of the population, have diabetes.
• 7.0 million Americans have undiagnosed diabetes.
• 1.9 million Americans aged 20 years or older are diagnosed with diabetes every year (5,205/day).
• 26.9% of the elderly (aged 65 or older) have diabetes.
• 15,600 individuals younger than 20 years are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and 3,600 are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes each year.
• The U.S. economic cost of diagnosed diabetes is $245 billion annually.
• Heart disease death rates and the risk of stroke are 2 to 4 times greater among adults with diabetes.
• Diabetes kills more Americans each year compared to breast cancer and AIDS combined.

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