The Global Burden of Diabetes*

• Diabetes is now the most common non-communicable disease globally and is the 4th leading cause of death in most high-income countries.
• 344 million people worldwide, or 7.9% of the population between the ages of 20-79 have diabetes and is expected to reach 472 million by 2030.
• Healthcare expenditures on diabetes are expected to account for 11.6% of the total healthcare expenditures in the world in 2010.
• The global diabetes market for therapeutic drugs was worth $27.3 billion in 2008 with the US making up almost 50% of the market.

U.S. Diabetes Incidence**

• 25.8 million people or 8.3% of the US population has been diagnosed with diabetes.
• 57 million people are pre-diabetic and will soon need intervention to treat the disease.
• 26.9 % of the population over the age of 60 has diabetes.  This is particularly alarming as this demographic is already at risk for cardiovascular events, one of diabetes most significant effects.
• 75% of adults with diabetes have high blood pressure and the risk of stroke is 2-4 times higher.
• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, non traumatic lower-limp amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States.
• About 70% of people with diabetes have damage to their nervous system.

U.S. Economic Costs***

• More than half of Americans will have diabetes or pre-diabetes over the next 10 years, costing the US healthcare system $3.35 trillion.
• Cost to the US economy in 2007 was $174 billion due to diabetes and related illness.
• On average, medical expenditures among people with diabetes were more than double those who don’t have diabetes.

Source:

* International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and American Diabetes Association (ADA)

** National Diabetes Fact Sheet, 2011, Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and ADA

*** ADA and HealthGroup (2010)