About 38 million people have diabetes, and 1 in 5 don't know they have it. People who have diabetes are at higher risk of serious health complications discussed below; however, type 2 diabetes can be prevented and diabetes can be managed.
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A Report Card: Diabetes In The United States
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Diabetes
A US Report Card
Diabetes
About 38 million people have diabetes.
That's about 1 in every 10 people.
1 in 5 people don't know they have it.
Prediabetes
About 98 million American adults—more than 1 in 3—have prediabetes.
More than 8 in 10 adults with prediabetes don't know they have it.
Cost
$413 Billion
Total medical costs and lost work and wages for people with diagnosed diabetes.
Medical costs for people with diabetes are more than twice as high as for people without diabetes.
Risks
People who have diabetes are at higher risk of serious health complications:
- Blindness
- Kidney failure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Loss of toes, feet, or legs
Common Types of Diabetes
Type 1
Body doesn't make enough insulin
- Can develop at any age
- No known way to prevent it
In adults, type 1 diabetes accounts for approximately 5-10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
Just over 18,000 youth diagnosed each year in 2017 and 2018.
Type 2
Body can't use insulin properly
- Can develop at any age
- Most cases can be prevented
In adults, type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
Nearly 5,300 youth diagnosed each year in 2017 and 2018.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes:
- Being overweight
- Having a family history
- Being physically inactive
- Being 45 or older
1.2 million people 18 years or older diagnosed with diabetes in 2021.
What can you do?
You can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes
- Eat healthy
- Be more active
- Lose weight
Learn more about preventing type 2 diabetes or speak to your doctor.
You can manage diabetes
- Work with a health professional
- Eat healthy
- Stay active
Learn more about living with diabetes or speak to your doctor.