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Diabetes Report Card 2012: National and State Profile of Diabetes and Its Complications

Prevalence of Diagnosed Diabetes

Figure 2 shows diagnosed diabetes prevalence in the United States, which is the total number of existing (including newly diagnosed) cases for each year. Similar to the incidence, the prevalence of diabetes remained fairly constant from 1980 through 1990. However, since 1990, the prevalence has steadily increased. Many people also have undiagnosed diabetes and are unaware of their condition. A 2010 CDC study projected that as many as one of three U.S. adults could have diabetes by 2050 if current trends continue.⁸ To avert this increase, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a multipronged strategy that encompasses population-based prevention and individual prevention, care, and treatment.

Figure 2: Annual Number of U.S. Adults Aged 18–79 Years with Diagnosed Diabetes, 1980–2010

Source: National Diabetes Surveillance System, National Health Survey data.