Facts about Diabetes and the Importance of Diabetes Management
The facts are clear: Diabetes is a widespread condition that can lead to serious complications if it is not properly diagnosed and managed. The following are facts adapted from the 2011 National Diabetes Worksheet:
- Approximately 8.3 percent of the US population, or 25.8 million adults and children are affected by diabetes
- 79 million people in the US have prediabetes
- Diabetes contributed to more than 230,000 deaths in 2007
- Sixty percent of nontraumatic lower limb amputations are due to diabetes
- Heart disease death rates are two to four times higher in diabetics
- Having diabetes puts someone at a two-to-four times higher risk for stroke
- Sixty-seven percent of diabetics report high blood pressure or are on medications for hypertension
- Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in those ages 20 to 74
- Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure
- Sixty to 70 percent of diabetics have mild to severe nervous system damage
