
We are facing a big health crisis in the United States. A lot of people have a chronic condition that often isn’t caught until it’s too late.
About 38.4 million people of all ages have this condition. This means 11.6% of the US population is affected. This shows how big the problem is and why we need to care for everyone and prevent it.
At Liv Hospital, we know how hard it is to manage this condition. We are dedicated to giving complete care. By understanding how big the problem is, we can help those affected more and try to make it less common.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 38.4 million people in the US have diabetes.
- 11.6% of the US population is affected by this condition.
- Comprehensive care and prevention strategies are key.
- Liv Hospital is committed to providing complete diabetes care.
- Understanding the scope of the issue is essential to addressing it.
Current Diabetes Statistics in the United States

Diabetes is a big problem in the U.S., affecting many people and causing serious health issues. The numbers show a worrying trend. It’s important to look closely at the statistics and who is most affected.
Overall Diabetes Prevalence in America
About 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. This is about 11.3% of the population. Seniors are hit hard, with 28.8% of those 65 and older having diabetes.
Type 1 vs Type 2 Diabetes: Understanding the Numbers
Type 2 diabetes is much more common, making up 90-95% of cases. Type 1 diabetes is less common, making up 5-10%. Knowing the difference is key for better treatment plans. Non-Hispanic Black people are more likely to have diabetes, with a rate of 15.8%. This shows we need healthcare that fits different cultures.
Annual Diabetes Diagnoses and Prediabetes Rates
Every year, many Americans are told they have diabetes. Also, a lot of people have prediabetes, which raises the risk of Type 2 diabetes. About 38% of U.S. adults have prediabetes, which could lead to more diabetes cases if not managed.
To fight diabetes, we need to know who is most at risk and how often it’s diagnosed. Looking at these numbers helps us make better plans to manage and prevent diabetes. Key statistics include:
- Diabetes prevalence among seniors (65+): 29.2%
- Prevalence among Non-Hispanic Black populations: 15.8%
- Annual diagnoses and the growing concern of prediabetes
As we study diabetes, it’s clear some groups face a higher risk. By recognizing these differences, we can create better ways to manage and prevent diabetes.
Demographics and Populations Most Affected by Diabetes

It’s important to know who is most affected by diabetes to help more people. We see that some groups face a bigger challenge.
Diabetes Prevalence in Americans Over 65
Diabetes is more common among older Americans. Over 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older have diabetes. Age is a big risk factor.
Every year, about 1.5 million people in the US get diabetes. Many of these are seniors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says more people have diabetes than we think.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes Rates
Diabetes also affects some groups more than others. Type 2 diabetes, which is 90-95% of all diabetes cases in the US, hits certain minorities hard.
Let’s look at how diabetes rates vary among different racial and ethnic groups:
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Diabetes Prevalence Rate |
| Non-Hispanic Whites | 7.4% |
| Non-Hispanic Blacks | 12.1% |
| Hispanics | 11.7% |
| American Indians/Alaska Natives | 14.5% |
These numbers show we need to focus on helping these groups more. They face a bigger challenge with diabetes.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a big health problem in the United States. It affects about 40.1 million people, both those who know they have it and those who don’t. This shows we really need to find ways to stop it and manage it well.
The cost of diabetes is huge, with about $413 billion spent each year. This includes money lost because people can’t work. Because diabetes is a major cause of death, we must fight it together.
More than 37 million Americans have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This means a lot of people are dealing with diabetes. We need to find ways to prevent it and manage it better.
By working together, we can improve health and lower the cost of diabetes. Our efforts can really help those living with diabetes.
FAQ
What percentage of the US population has diabetes?
About 12 % of the U.S. population — over 40 million Americans — have diabetes, including both diagnosed and undiagnosed cases.
Which age group is most affected by diabetes?
Diabetes prevalence increases with age, with older adults (60 +) having the highest rates.
Are there racial disparities in diabetes rates?
Yes — American Indian/Alaska Native and Black adults have higher diabetes rates than White and Asian adults.
How many Americans have type 1 diabetes?
Approximately 2.1 million people in the U.S. have type 1 diabetes, including both adults and children.
What percentage of diabetes cases is type 2 diabetes?
About 90–95 % of diabetes cases in the U.S. are type 2 diabetes.
How many new diabetes diagnoses occur each year?
Roughly 1.5 million new diabetes diagnoses occur in the U.S. every year.
What is the estimated total number of people with diabetes in the US, including both diagnosed and undiagnosed?
An estimated 40.1 million Americans have diabetes when combining diagnosed and undiagnosed cases.
What is the economic burden of diabetes in the US?
Diabetes costs the U.S. economy around $412.9 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity.
How does diabetes prevalence vary across different demographics?
Diabetes is more common in older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and people with obesity, showing demographic variation.
References
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Evidence-Based Medical Insight. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8465972/