Diabetes by the Numbers

Today Is World Diabetes Day, a day designated by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to increasing global awareness of this disease. Since 2006, it is also an official United Nations Day.

In honor of World Diabetes Day (which occurs every year
on November 14, the birthday of one of the discoverers of insulin), we would like to share a handful of statistics that offer a glimpse into the impact of this disease.

Although diabetes affects just under 10% of the general US population, in the senior population that percentage jumps to 25%.

1. One in every three people with diabetes is unaware that they have it.
2. 37% of US adults have prediabetes.
3. People who smoke are 30 to 40% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who do not smoke.
4. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. It contributes to the deaths of nearly 250,000 Americans every year.
5. Diabetes is the leading cause of foot and leg amputations, accounting for 60% of all cases.
6. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44% of all cases.
7. Diabetes is the leading cause of adult blindness.
8. Diabetics spend $2.31 on medical care for every $1 spent by nondiabetics.
9. One in every ten healthcare dollars is spent caring for complications of diabetes.
10. If present trends continue, as many as one in every three American adults will have diabetes by 2050.

At Atlantic Coast Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in Lakewood, NJ, our specialty in geriatrics includes a specialty in managing — and preventing diabetes. It’s another aspect of our restorative approach to senior care: a focus on maximizing function and mobility in a positive and upbeat atmosphere.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, caring.com, and wellness.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.

Or better yet, come see for yourself: Contact us to schedule a tour by calling 732-364-7100, or by clicking here.