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.
• Estimated global healthcare expenditures to treat and prevent diabetes and its complications are expected to total at least $376 billion in 2010 and reach over $500 billion by 2030.
• The global diabetes market for therapeutic drugs was worth $27.3 billion in 2008 with the US making up almost 50% of the market.
• Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of cases with type 2 diabetes accounting for the other 90%.

U.S. Diabetes Incidence

• 23.6 million people or 7.8% of the US population has been diagnosed with diabetes.
• 57 million people are pre-diabetic and will soon need intervention to treat the disease.
• 23.1 % 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 blindness and kidney failure in the US.
• About 70% of people with diabetes have damage to their nervous system.

U.S. Economic Costs

• 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.
• The US is projected to spend $198 billion or 52.7% of the global expenditure in 2010.

* Source: International Diabetes Federation and American Diabetes Association