Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts a large portion of the American population. The effects of diabetes extend beyond those directly affected, creating substantial financial burdens on individuals, their families, employers, and the economy as a whole.

Medical expenses for managing diabetes are considerable, and the condition also leads to significant productivity losses in the workplace. Moreover, diabetes often coexists with other severe health conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, which further aggravate its overall impact.

Below, we’ve curated 10 statistics and facts that illustrate the impact of diabetes on individuals and employers.

Prevalence of diabetes in the United States and costs

1. Diabetes affects approximately 38.1 million American adults. (Source: CDC)

2. 1 in 5 are unaware of their condition. (Source: CDC)

3. The health care costs of people with diabetes are 2.6 times greater than those without diabetes. (Source: American Diabetes Association)

4. The total medical expenses associated with diabetes amount to $307 billion annually, with each patient incurring an average cost of $12,000 per year for care. (Sources: American Diabetes Association and CDC, respectively.)

5. Additionally, employers face lost productivity costs estimated at roughly $106 billion each year (Source: American Diabetes Association)

The relationship between diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease

6. Diabetes can lead to cardiodiabesity – a term referring to the interconnected health issues of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. More than half of those with diabetes are obese, and everyone with diabetes has twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. (Source: American Diabetes Association and CDC, respectively)

7. Cardiodiabesity increases the chance of developing more severe health problems, with 88.4% of patients who have active cardiodiabesity stating their health had worsened within one year. (Source: Evernorth Research Institute)

Insights on people living with diabetes

8. Only 30% of people diagnosed with diabetes rate their health as good or excellent. Mental health challenges are prevalent, with 25% reporting a comorbid diagnosis of depression or anxiety, 32% expressing stress about their health, and 23% feeling work-related stress. (Source: Evernorth Vitality Index)

9. When looking at lifestyle habits for people living with diabetes, only 28% engage in physical activity for five or more hours each week, while 21% reported no physical activity. Screen time was high, with 44% spending five or more hours daily watching TV or playing video games. (Source: Evernorth Vitality Index)

10. Despite these challenges, 57% of people living with diabetes feel they have control over their future health, and 58% said they receive good medical care. However, only 44% feel capable of managing their health condition. (Source: Evernorth Vitality Index)

This article was created with the assistance of AI tools. It was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Cigna Healthcare’s editorial team.