|
Epidemiology
Incidence and Prevalence
Prevalence of diabetes is estimated at 16 million, one third of those are undiagnosed cases. In the US the incidence rate for Type 2 is estimated to be approximately 600,000 new cases annually. 90% of all diabetics have Type 2. (3,13)
Age
As stated previously, age of onset is generally after 40, but can be earlier. Groups with higher risk factors have an earlier onset of the disease. The prevalence of Type 2 increases with age, except for Pima Indians where it peaks around age 40 and then declines. (3,31)
Race/Ethnicity
African Americans and Hispanics are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 than are Caucasians. The Pima Indians of Arizona have the highest rate of Type 2 in the world (nearly one-half of all Pima Indians between ages 30 and 64). (12)
Gender
In the US there are approximately 4.2 million women and 3.6 million men diagnosed with diabetes. (4,12)
Geographic Distribution
Urban dwellers are more likely to receive a Type 2 diagnosis than are individuals residing in rural settings. (3)
Continue on to
|
