The following statistics provide an overview of the prevalence of diabetes and its complications in the United States. Information is derived from the American Diabetes Association, National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. An estimated 16 million Americans, about 6 percent of the US population, have diabetes. An estimated 18 percent of the US population, over 65 years old, has diabetes.
Women have a slightly higher prevalence of diabetes.
The Pima Indians of Arizona, USA, are more likely to develop diabetes. One-half of adult Pima Indians have diabetes. Complications resulting from diabetes can be very serious and can also be delayed or prevented. Following are statistics about long-term complications of diabetes. Heart Disease and Stroke People with diabetes are 2-4 times as likely to die from heart disease and strokes as people who don't have diabetes.