A newly published report published shows that nearly 1 in 6 American adults has diabetes.
The NCHS Data Brief released by the National Center for Health Statistics shows that between August 2021 and August 2023, the overall prevalence of diabetes in U.S. adults was 15.8%, with diagnosed diabetes at 11.3% and undiagnosed diabetes at 4.5%.
The prevalence rates of total and diagnosed diabetes were higher in men (18.0% and 12.9%, respectively) than in women (13.7% and 9.7%, respectively), and the occurrence of total, diagnosed, and undiagnosed diabetes increased with age.
An increase in the prevalence of total, diagnosed, and undiagnosed diabetes was linked to higher weight status.
Specifically, there is a strong relationship between type 2 diabetes and being overweight.
A significant majority (95%) of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes, which develops when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin’s effects. Insulin plays a critical role in controlling blood sugar levels.
People with insulin resistance are at greater risk of developing prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The American Heart Association reports that individuals who exhibit signs of insulin resistance often have a history of being overweight and engaging in minimal physical activity. This condition is linked to obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Several additional risk factors contribute to the likelihood of developing insulin resistance.
Age plays a significant role, with individuals aged 45 or older being at greater risk. A family history of diabetes and a personal history of gestational diabetes, heart disease, or stroke further heightens this risk.
Groups particularly at risk for insulin resistance include those with polycystic ovary syndrome and people from certain ethnic backgrounds, such as Black Americans, Alaska Natives, American Indians, Asian Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, as well as Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
Continuous monitoring of both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes will be essential for gaining insights into the prevalence of this condition among adults in the United States.